Advocates Gather at Roundhouse to Call for Climate Action

Published Jan 28, 2025

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Food SystemClimate and Energy

Today, advocates with Food & Water Watch gathered at the Roundhouse to urge the legislature to stop the entrenchment of factory farms in New Mexico, as these facilities contribute greatly to climate change, use up scarce water supplies, cause water and air pollution, harm the welfare of animals, exploit workers, and push family farms out of business. 

In particular, advocates encouraged elected officials to support SB 99, also known as the Methane Emissions Reduction Act (MERA), which aims to fix a loophole in the recently passed Clean Transportation Fuel Standard. Closing this loophole would help prevent factory farms from being lavishly incentivized to profit from their pollution.

In addition to gathering in Santa Fe to urge elected officials to support the bill, throughout the past week New Mexicans from across the state came together to urge elected officials to act through a series of events like a film screening and art build.

Said Alexa Reynaud, New Mexico Organizer for Food & Water Watch, “As we start another legislative season, it is inspiring to see engaged New Mexicans coming together to make their voices heard. Our elected officials must make sure that New Mexico’s climate programs are truly moving us closer to the sustainable, livable future that we deserve. Factory farms prioritize corporate profits over our environment, public health and family-scale farmers, and it’s time for our state leaders to act on this by supporting the Methane Emissions Reduction Act.”

Said Mariel Nanasi, Executive Director of New Energy Economy, “The Methane Emissions Reduction Act is an important bill to prevent against potentially significant pollution that could result when avoided emissions are improperly assessed as part of carbon credit schemes. By assigning negative carbon intensity values to so-called “renewable gas” produced from agricultural waste, the carbon credit program, in effect, subsidizes the growth and profits of both industrialized factory farms and other polluting industries that buy carbon credits so that they can continue their own harmful practices. The Methane Emissions Reduction Act will ensure that carbon credits purchased by industry are based on actual emissions reductions.”

Said Amanda Santana of Indivisible Albuquerque, “Indivisible Albuquerque is proud to stand behind Food & Water Watch in support of the Methane Emissions Reduction Act. Every year we see the catastrophic effects of climate change across the country. Just this month members of my family lost their home of over 50 years to the devastating fires in Los Angeles. We cannot simply stand by and let profits be prioritized over the health and safety of our communities. With this bill, our elected officials have the opportunity to make New Mexico a healthier, more sustainable place for future generations.”

Said Reverend Clara Sims, Assistant Executive Director of New Mexico & El Paso Interfaith Power and Light, “In New Mexico, we cherish the abundance of beauty and provision that the land offers to us and we celebrate the unique lifeways of tending the land reflected in every corner of our state. Climate change threatens these lifeways through unpredictable and extreme weather, and, of course, the far-reaching drought conditions that are already here. As people of faith and conscience we want the Clean Transportation Fuel Standards to be implemented with integrity to climate goals and that is why we support the Methane Emissions Reduction Act. If factory farms are incentivized to profit from pollution that adds more heat-trapping gases to the atmosphere, the Clean Fuel Transportation Standard will fall far short of the climate goals for which it was originally passed. It is impossible to name the depth of beauty, dignity, and diversity we are called to celebrate in our state. Let’s pass the Methane Emissions Reduction Act for the flourishing future we have in equal measures the right and the responsibility to protect.”

Said Alejandria Lyons, Coordinator of the New Mexico No False Solutions Coalition, “We must close the loopholes for false climate solutions and dirty energy now. Our Coalition supports the Methane Emissions Reduction Act to ensure factory farms do not continue using financial mechanisms to pollute our clean air (and water) for credits. Biogas produced by factory farms is a slippery slope and should be seen in the same light as producing credits for fossil fuel production.” 

Said Feleecia Guillen, Steering Committee Member of Youth United for Climate Crisis Action (YUCCA), “At YUCCA, we know that real change requires accountability. We want policies that put people over profits, protect communities from harmful industries, and drive us toward a future where our land, air and water are safe. The Methane Emissions Reduction Act is a step in the right direction, and we urge New Mexico’s lawmakers to pass it and reject false solutions.” 

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Press Contact: Madeline Bove [email protected]

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