The United States Desert and Public Lands Protection Act awaits Senate decision
Photo: Getty Images
Friday, November 15
Climate change can transform our environment, let's act now!
On May 3, 2021, Senator Alex Padilla introduced a crucial piece to combat climate change.
The United States Desert and Public Lands Protection Act (HR 803). The Public Lands Act will protect one million acres of public land and 500 miles of rivers that cross Washington, Colorado, Arizona and California to our own San Gabriel Mountains.
The Council of Mexican Federations (COFEM) and Nature for All have been advocating for this bill since its inception and celebrate that it has passed through the House of Representatives and is now in the Senate for approval.
We have worked tirelessly alongside the community members to educate and interact with the public about this legislation. We are delighted to see that the fruits of the community’s labors are being realized.
The San Gabriel Mountains provide the 70% of open space for Los Angeles County residents. Now more than ever, there is a need to preserve and protect our green spaces, it is vital for the environment and the health of our communities.
This legislation will expand our national monument, protect our mountains, rivers, and natural resources, create more recreational areas, and help make our public lands more accessible to all.
This legislation means a lot to the Latino community and immigrant, as it serves as an escape from air pollution and other effects.
Latinos are more likely to work in agriculture, manufacturing, and construction, all which are deeply affected by the changing climate.
During the forest fires last year, an example of the direct impact that climate change has on our community was observed.
We watched as the San Gabriel Mountains burned and the ashes turned our skies a deep orange. undo terrible, the effects of global climate change were seen right outside our own windows.
The Latino community was especially impacted by these fires. For example, our farmers continued to harvest crops while fires raged in the mountains, they worked to provide for their families while smoke filled their lungs.
However, hope remains. This legislation is a step in the right direction towards a greener and more sustainable future.
It will not solve all of our problems, but it does push the needle into the future we want to provide for our Future generations.
This common sense bill should pass, and we encourage the public to call their senator to express their support for this law.
On behalf of Nature for All, COFEM thanks Senator Alex Padilla for introducing HR 803 to the United States Senate chamber. We hope this law passes, as it passed through the House of Representatives!
We ask the Senate House to think about the health of Angels and the state of the environment, by voting on this proposal, the well-being of the Angels is in your hands.
Let’s call our Senator to tell him that we support the Protection of the Desert and Public Lands (HR 803). The Public Lands Act.
This column was written by the Council of Mexican Federations (COFEM).
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