Pueblo Action Alliance Responds to Oil and Gas Reform Forum, Future of Federal Leasing Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, March 25
CONTACT: Julia Bernal | julia.f.bernal@gmail.com
Pueblo Action Alliance Responds to Oil and Gas Reform Forum, Future of Federal Leasing Program
Pueblo youth encourage bold action that prioritizes the health and wellbeing of Indigenous families and communities
NEW MEXICO -- Pueblo Action Alliance urges the Department of Interior and the Biden-Harris Administration to move forward with bold action to address the federal oil and gas leasing system in a manner consistent with improving the health and wellbeing and the development of safe, clean and sustainable economic opportunities for Indigenous communities.
Several environmental, social justice, and Indigenous perspectives rose to the top of importance during today’s oil and gas reform hearing hosted by the Department of Interior (DOI). DOI Secretary Deb Haaland, of Laguna Pueblo, has long been a champion of clean, air, land, and water, and now faces the challenge of helping to reform a federal system that has long promoted the profits of corporations over the health and wellbeing of frontline communities.
In reaction to today’s DOI forum, Julia Bernal, Alliance Director of the Pueblo Action Alliance said:
“Pueblo youth don’t want the fossil fuel era to continue, and support a shift away from the colonial legacy of the federal oil and gas leasing program. The extractive economy in New Mexico will only provide short-term revenue with long-term damage to our lands and waters, and the health of our communities. New Mexico and federal leaders must be forward-thinking in this critical time as they make decisions that will impact our future generations. The Department of Interior must create a roadmap to a just transition to renewable energy and it starts with undoing the inequitable and unhealthy federal oil and gas leasing program.”
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Pueblo Action Alliance is a community driven organization that promotes cultural sustainability and community defense by addressing environmental and social impacts in Indigenous communities.