Udall, Heinrich Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Support Inclusion & Engagement of Latinos in Conservation

WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) joined Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Dean Heller (R-Nev.) to introduce a bipartisan resolution that supports the commitment of the Latino community to engage in conservation efforts. The resolution recognizes the contributions of the Latino community to conservation and wildlife protection and urges increased access to public lands for all Americans.

“New Mexico’s Hispanic and Latino communities have played an integral role in shaping our state’s history, economy, and way of life. And central to New Mexico’s way of life are our public lands and treasured natural landscapes,” Udall said. “This resolution honors the deep connection and commitment of our Hispanic and Latino communities to conserving New Mexico’s great outdoors, and it encourages continued preservation of our precious public lands for generations to come.”

“The Hispanic community in New Mexico has been instrumental in conservation efforts like the Río Grande del Norte and Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks national monuments,” Heinrich said. "This bipartisan resolution acknowledges the contributions that the Latino community has made to increase access to the outdoors and to protect our public lands, watersheds, and wildlife for our children and all future generations to enjoy.”

The resolution has the support of the Latino Conservation Alliance, which includes the Hispanic Access Foundation (HAF), GreenLatinos, Latino Outdoors, Hispanic Federation, and Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors (HECHO). 

In addition to Udall, Heinrich, Bennet and Heller, the resolution is cosponsored by Senators Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.).

An identical companion resolution was introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Grace F. Napolitano (D-Calif.) and Carlos Curbelo (R-Fla.).

Click HERE for a letter of support from community organizations.

Click HERE for the text of the resolution.