Heinrich To Lead National Monuments Press Conference At REI, Highlight Economic Force Of Outdoor Recreation
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – On Thursday, August 24, 2017 at 12:15 p.m. MT, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) will lead a press conference at REI in Albuquerque with public lands, tribal, and community coalitions in opposition to President Donald Trump's executive order that could unravel dozens of national monuments, including Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks and Río Grande del Norte in New Mexico, despite the strong outpouring of support from across America. Senator Heinrich, REI, and other speakers will call on President Trump and Department of the Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to listen to the American people and not take their public lands away.
According to a report released by the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), which is the largest and most comprehensive state-by-state report of its kind, outdoor recreation supports health, contributes to a high quality of life, and attracts and sustains employers and families. The outdoor recreation economy in New Mexico generates 99,000 direct jobs, $9.9 billion in consumer spending, $2.8 billion in wages and salaries, and $623 million in state and local tax revenue. Earlier this year, OIA released its national Outdoor Recreation Economy Report, which found that the outdoor recreation economy generates $887 billion in consumer spending and directly sustains 7.6 million American jobs annually.
***Press interested in attending should RSVP to press@heinrich.senate.gov or call (202) 228-1578.***
Albuquerque - Thursday, August 24, 2017
WHO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich
Marc Berejka, REI Director of Community & Government Affairs
Garrett Veneklassen, New Mexico Wildlife Federation, Executive Director
Michael Casaus, The Wilderness Society, New Mexico Director
Julia Bernal, Pueblo Action Alliance
Darien Fernandez, Taos Town Councilor
Eddie Paul Torres, Chairman of the All Pueblo Council of Governors and former Governor of Isleta Pueblo
WHAT: National Monuments Press Conference at REI
WHEN: From 12:15 to 1 p.m. (Media set by 12 p.m.)
WHERE: REI Albuquerque, 1550 Mercantile Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107
