YUCCA Youth & Allies staged a die-in on the first day of the roundhouse. The Die-In highlighted the devastating losses New Mexicans and communities across the world have already suffered at the hands of climate disruption caused by fossil fuel
pollution.
After the worst wildfires the state has ever seen, YUCCA is demanding lawmakers take immediate action this session to address climate change and protect their future. Youth leaders are demanding an end to the state’s pursuit of short-term profits at the expense of long-term climate stability, economic sustainability, public health & environmental justice.
EULOGY FOR OUR FUTURE
Dearly beloved,
We are gathered here today to honor the lives lost in New Mexico and communities across the world that have been lost at the hands of climate disruption caused by fossil fuel pollution. 100s of millions of people all over the world have had their lives impacted by climate disruption. Uncountable animals, forests, and waterways have been impacted by climate disruption. And our Earth Mother and the life support systems she provides to us are being disrupted. We want to honor those that have been lost.
Together, let’s take a moment of silence for the nearly 1 million acres of land that have burned from wildfires in New Mexico alone in 2022.
We grieve for the forests that may never regrow, for our mountains that are scorched and bare, for the animals whose lives were lost, for our home places that will never be the same.
Let’s take a moment of silence for those who have lost their lives to wildfire including the 2 in New Mexico who died in the fires this past summer. For their families who mourn them, and for the lives they could have had but were taken.
A moment of silence for the 34 million people across the world impacted by floods in the year 2020, including 6,000 people who died from flooding that year, and the many millions more who will be affected in years to come.
A moment of silence for the 166,000 people who died from heat exposure.
A moment of silence for the countless animals and plants whose lives have been lost. And a special acknowledgment for those creatures that have been pushed to extinction – whose majesty will never bless this earth again – that we’ve lost forever.
A moment of silence for the people per year predicted to die from climate related disasters. This crisis that Indigenous, frontline, and other marginalized communities have already been facing due to the racist and violent path that we are on. We mourn for lives that have yet to be lost.
A moment of silence for the 83 million people predicted to die as a result of weather events like heat waves in the next century-if polluters continue business as usual.
Irreversible damage has already been done; this crisis is no longer a future possibility, it is here and killing us now. But we have time left to curb global emissions and scale back the rapid warming and climate disasters. Now we will lie down in silence for 7 minutes to represent the number of years we have left before the damage is irreversible in the year 2030.
Following the die-in youth marched up the stairs to key lawmakers' offices & the Governor's office on the fourth floor to deliver hand-written letters and policy demands for the session. YUCCA's 2023 Legislative Platform includes the following policy priorities this session:
YUCCA’s 2023 Legislative Priorities
Just Transition Legislation
Establishing a fund from fossil fuel revenues to pay for the planning, research, development, and implementation needed to end our State’s dependency on fossil fuels and rapidly transition our economy.
Community Clean-Up Legislation
Remedying the historic harms against frontline communities by cleaning up the spills, radioactive waste, and other hazardous waste left behind by extractive industries.
Emissions Reductions Legislation
Concrete emissions reduction standards that reverse our emissions and rapidly transition our economy by 2030 - the deadline set by science.
Funding to Address the Public Health Impacts of Climate Change:
A fund to help local communities respond to climate emergencies and a program within the Public Health department to address climate change’s impact on the health of our communities called the Public Health & Climate Resiliency Act.
5. NM Green Amendment
A constitutional amendment to strengthen and expand our constitutional right to clean air, water, and a sustainable climate to New Mexico’s constitution.
Local Choice Energy
Breaking up the monopolized utility companies in New Mexico and giving ratepayers the ability to choose how their power is bought, sold, and generated - to open the door for local competition, which will serve as an economic engine for local development and allow our communities transition to 100% renewables without waiting for PNM.
16 Vote Initiative
Expanding the ballot box to our 16 and 17-year-old peers so they can participate in local elections that directly impact their lives.
8. Reformation of the legislature - investing to equip lawmakers with the resources they need to lead our state.
9. NO HYDROGEN OF ANY KIND - Currently 98% of hydrogen production relies on fossil fuels. Hydrogen from water uses precious water resources we cannot afford.