Arizona congressman, Raúl Grijalva, said that the fight against climate change must ensure that there is justice for Latino communities, which have all the time been victims of racism by companies that contribute to public health prejudice .
“The debate that denies the effect of climate change is over. Now the important thing is how we are going to make the transition towards clean and alternative energy so that at some point we no longer depend on gasoline and energy in general”.
He pointed out that the multinational companies that control The energy of this country and the world is affecting the poorest and indigenous peoples more than anything else, both economically and in terms of public health.
“The recognition of climate change is higher in our community as well as the urgency for the government to take steps to protect us”, he explained.
However, he noted that we need to ensure that the Latino community is represented in environmental justice efforts to give them the resources and power to resist and change the negative industry.
“It is about having the capacity to sustain a quality of life that they deserve”.
Grijalva emphasized that “the urgency is there. Denying that climate change is not a reality and waiting another decade is dangerous, especially for the most affected communities”.
Bill
The Arizona Congressman announced that he plans to come to Los Angeles, Albuquerque and Houston to present his bill for the Environmental Justice for All Act; The objective is to receive opinions and recommendations from the community.
“We want the transition to clean and renewable energy includes the Latino community. In Los Angeles, 20% of Latino households have a very high dependence on energy, this means a 20% of people who have a car”.
Your bill seeks to obtain economic resources to invest in the communities and use clean and lower cost forms of energy.
The legislation is based on the moral principle that all people have the right to clean air, clean water and an environment that enriches life. The measure is founded on the belief that federal policy can and should pursue health equity and climate justice for all underserved communities.
“At the end of the day, we have to make the transition, which is going to cost resources, but we have to ensure that this investment meets the needs of Latinos,” Grijalva stressed. “Environmental justice has to be part of any discussion in the fight against climate change.”
Cristina Tzintún Ramírez, president of Next Gen America, said that climate disaster is just around the corner. the corner and it is imperative to make the transition to a 100% clean energy before it is too late.
“NextGen provides the tools and the confidence that young people need to put the climate on the agenda and make the changes to ensure a livable future for generations to come.”
He specified that one of the most important issues for them is to help young people to exercise their voice and their vote at the polls, and to advocate for the bills that will improve their lives.
“ Each survey shows that Latinos are the ones who care the most about the climate crisis, and who will improve their lives the most in terms of health, saving money and jobs, by making a transition to clean energy. a”.
The question, explained Tzintún Ramírez, is to push and approve laws that provide assistance and invest so that low-income people can have access to solar technology and electric cars.
“We have the solutions and technologies to solve the climate crisis, we lack the support of politicians. That is why with our vote, we have to say what we want to live our lives better.”
Now with gasoline so expensive, it is the perfect time to invest in solutions and protect Mother Earth, she expressed. “There is nothing that matters more in our families.”
Carlos Velásquez, director in Puerto Rico of the Interstate Renewable Energy Council, said that in the United States, there are some 240,000 jobs in solar energy, and approximately 11% are employed by Latinos.
“This is a number that needs to be improved”, he expresses.
On the other hand, he mentioned that less than 2 million Latino homes have solar energy systems.
“It continues to be the predominantly white and upper middle class population, the one that mostly has solar energy in their homes. Latinos are underrepresented,” he adds. “The price and financing is not accessible, since people have been sought to have excellent credit and similar to the wealthy and professional class.”
How does it benefit us to make the transition to clean energy?
Velázquez indicates that one of the main benefits is that our populations will no longer be so affected, since they live in places next to dirty fossil fuel generation plants.
At the same time, he indicates, they will benefit in terms of employment, since it is projected to rise to 900, 000 works on clean energy.
“This is a great opportunity because they are well-paid jobs that provide professional development, but we have to push for more Latinos to go to college. school to prepare for these races.”
On the other hand, Velázquez said that the solar panels will allow families to see a reduction in their electricity bill, and if they have a recharge battery, a hurricane or strong winds will not affect their energy supply.
He added that it is important that Latinos participate by supporting with letters the bills in Congress that promote renewable energy.
“The transition to clean energy is also being seen in public transportation, which operates with lithium batteries,” said the director. “Our boys, who are fascinated by mechanics, also have a great future in the maintenance of this type of vehicle. They are good jobs.”