“New Mexico is the sixth-fastest-warming state in the country, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists. The Clean Power Plan (CPP) is the Obama administration’s attempt to cut U.S. emissions of greenhouse gases and benefit communities that may be affected by pollution. But with the Supreme Court’s February ruling to stay the plan’s implementation pending the outcome of a lawsuit before the U.S. Court of Appeals, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been unable to meet its timeline for requiring states to complete their carbon-cutting plans. Twenty states suspended public meetings while others have continued planning.

Conservation Voters New Mexico Education Fund, Juntos program, is working to organize Latino families in Albuquerque. Juntos’ young activists have canvassed the South Valley, Westgate and the International District. More than three-quarters of people surveyed have said that they don’t want their electricity to contribute to air pollution or climate change. More than 60 percent voiced “strong concerns” about Albuquerque’s air quality.

After holding eight initial public meetings, as well as separate meetings with energy-industry representatives and environmental advocates since the stay, the New Mexico environment Department has been mum on addressing climate change and whether it is continuing to work on a state plan. Similarly, the City of Albuquerque has been silent on the issue and has not planned additional public meetings.

New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas, however, who joined a coalition of 17 state attorneys general supporting the plan, said “We will continue to pursue the most affordable, cleanest energy available, while protecting New Mexicans, our economy and our environment. The CPP will lead to significantly reduced emissions of climate-changing air pollution.”