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February 11, 2025

2025 marks the fifth year that the New Mexico Green Ammendment has been brought to the NM State Legislature. Along with faith communities across the state we continue to support this vital movement. The Green Ammendment not only provides a stronger legal framework for protecting our land, air, and water, it also helps us transform the consciousness of our culture toward one that remembers: the common good of the people and the planet have always been one and the same

Green Amendment - Environmental Rights Act (HJR 3) and (SJR 4) 

After several years of efforts to pass this constitutional amendment, updated language for the 2025 Green Amendment bill is as follows: 

SECTION 1. It is proposed to amend Article 2 of the constitution of New Mexico by adding a new section that reads:

A.The people of the state shall have a right to clean and healthy air, water, soil and environments; healthy native flora, fauna and ecosystems, and a safe climate; and to the preservation of the natural, cultural, scenic and healthful qualities of the environment. The state shall protect these rights equitably for all people regardless of race, ethnicity, tribal affiliation, gender, socioeconomics, or geography.

B.The state, counties and municipalities shall serve as trustee of the natural resources of New Mexico and shall conserve, protect and maintain these resources for the benefit of all the people, including present and future generations.

C. The provisions of this section are self-executing. Monetary damages shall not be awarded for a violation of this section. This section is enforceable against the state, counties and municipalities.

If you want to read more about the Green Ammendment, you can check out their website HERE.

Here is a recent article about the bill's progress: "New Mexico Inches Closer to Historic Green Ammendment: A Game-Changer for Environmental Rights."

What can you do to support this legislation?

1. Get in contact with your local congressional represenatives
2. Show up for public comment at key hearings

To contact your local congressional represenative, you can find their information at "find my legislator."

To be kept in the loop about key hearings for public comment, sign up to be on our advocacy list. To be added, please contact our advocacy chair Ruth Striegel (ruthstriegel@gmail.com) and/or our assistant director Clara Sims (clara@nm-ipl.org). You can also see our living document that is tracking the bills we are focusing on this year.

Do you want to table with us for Climate Crisis day at the Roundhouse?

Thursday, March 6th, approx. 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

NM & EI IPL will be tabling for the day in the rotunda and we would love to have volunteers who are willing to table and/or seek out your local represenatives to talk about priority legislation that addresses the climate crisis. This is a great way to learn about other climate organizations, make connections with wonderful people, and engage in advocacy for our sacred earth. If you are interested in joining, please email Clara (clara@nm-ipl.org) and Desiree (desiree@nm-ipl.org). Please let us know if you are interested in carpooling options from Albuquerque to Santa Fe.

Tree New Mexico is beginning their planting season! Below we share upcoming plantings and links so that you can sign-up to volunteer. This is a wonderful opportunity to help our communities experience the inumerable gifts trees give to us all. Tree New Mexico is currently expanding their outreach beyond Albuquerque and across New Mexico. Is there a community, neighborhood, school, or faith community you know of that could benefit from planting 50 + trees? If you are interested in learning more, you can reach out to their office: 505-265-4554.

Feb 22 Truth or Consequences, NM (contact Luis@treenm.org)

Mar 8 NW#1 Planting/Giveaway, Delamar/Los Griegos: link HERE.

Mar 15 Meadow Lake, NM (Los Lunas): link HERE.

Mar 29 NW#2 Planting/Giveaway - Alamosa (ABQ): link HERE.

April 5 Sunland, NM (Las Cruces): link HERE.

April 12 Mountain View, (South Valley): link HERE.

April 26 NW#3 Planting/Giveaway - Fair West (ABQ): link HERE.

In other news...

The New Mexico Environmental Department (NMED) is holding a series of community conversations around the state around Climate Action Planning.

"The Comprehensive Climate Action Plan will provide an actionable roadmap for New Mexico to meet its climate pollution reduction targets. These targets are essential to ensure a healthy, secure, and prosperous future for all New Mexicans. We want input from New Mexicans as we develop the CAP. These community conversations will help us prioritize our efforts. Please take this opportunity to make your voice heard."

Upcoming conversation will be held in Gallup, Hobbs, Tucumcari, Silver City, Las Vegas, Albuquerque, and virtually. Learn more and RSVP HERE.