Statement: HECHO is Committed to Elevating Hispanic Voices on Wildfires in the West and Urges President Biden and Congress to Continue Federal Relief Efforts

Washington D.C. – New Mexico is being severely impacted by wildfires. The Calf Canyon Fire, which merged with the Hermits Peak Fire just east of Santa Fe, NM is now the largest fire in the state’s history, burning through over 311,000 acres, and fueled by major drought, extremely low humidity, and gusty winds. HECHO’s conservation work in New Mexico is intrinsically tied to the ever-worsening wildfires in the southwest exacerbated by the climate crisis. 

HECHO is committed to continuously elevating Hispanic voices in conversations around these incidents to ensure equity in preparedness against as well as relief from these disasters. The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which HECHO advocated for, is set to deliver at least $3.5 billion to New Mexico for a wide variety of uses including $38 million for wildfire mitigation over the next five years. On May 4th, President Biden approved a disaster declaration for New Mexico in response to the worsening fires which have now destroyed hundreds of homes, businesses and other structures, forcing thousands of people to evacuate. The declaration makes federal aid available for recovery efforts. 

For the sake of our public lands and for our safety from the growing climate crisis, HECHO urges the Biden Administration and Congress to take continued action to address the climate crisis and provide relief to communities impacted by wildfires. 

Austin, N. (2022, May 6). Biden approves funding for New Mexico wildfire victims. FreightWaves. https://www.freightwaves.com/news/biden-approves-funding-for-new-mexico-wildfire-victims 

Chacón, D. J. (2021, November 9). New Mexico poised to receive $3.7B under bipartisan infrastructure bill. Santa Fe New Mexican. https://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/new-mexico-poised-to-receive-3-7b-under-bipartisan-infrastructure-bill/article_87e63bbc-40b1-11ec-bd1a-ef9bbd1e735d.html