Miya King-Flaherty, Our Wild New Mexico Organizer, Sierra Club-Rio Grande Chapter,
(505) 301-0863, miya.king-flaherty@sierraclub.org
Rebecca Sobel, Organizing Director, WildEarth Guardians, (267) 402-0724, rsobel@wildearthguardians.org
Jessica Gable, Media Relations Officer, Food & Water Watch, (202) 683-2478, jgable@fwwatch.org
Frontline Communities From Permian Basin and Greater Chaco Region Demand Federal Oil and Gas Leasing Reform and End to Sacrifice Zones in First-Ever Joint Press Conference
PRESS CONFERENCE-- On Wednesday, April 14, representatives from New Mexico communities impacted by oil and gas extraction and environmental advocates will hold a press conference to discuss the climate, health and social impacts of the federal fossil fuel leasing program as well as issues of cultural integrity and Tribal consultation. Representatives from the northwest New Mexico’s Greater Chaco region (San Juan Basin) and the state’s southeast Greater Carlsbad region (Permian Basin) will speak to the local pollution, cultural, and economic consequences of unchecked drilling in the state.
Providing a direct comment to the Department of Interior, speakers will share perspectives on how communities in these regions are impacted by oil and gas and highlight the need for fundamental reform to the Department of Interior’s oil and gas leasing program.
WHAT: Press conference with New Mexico Indigenous and community groups in response to Department of Interior’s federal oil and gas leasing program review
Speakers:
Julia Bernal, from Sandia Pueblo and Alliance Director of Pueblo Action Alliance
Mario Atencio, Diné CARE board member-at-large
Mike Eisenfeld, Energy and Climate Program Manager, San Juan Citizens Alliance
Reverend Gene Harbaugh, member of Citizens Caring for the Future - Permian Basin
Kayley Shoup, member of Citizens Caring for the Future - Permian Basin
Nathalie Eddy, Interim Field Team Manager and New Mexico Field Advocate, Earthworks
Margaret Wadsworth, Senior Organizer, Food and Water Watch
Rebecca Sobel, Organizing Director, WildEarth Guardians
WHEN: Wednesday, April 14th, 8:15 MT/ 10:15 ET
WHERE: Zoom Link - https://fwwatch.zoom.us/j/99425455791
Background:
On March 25, the Department of Interior held a virtual forum on the agency’s oil and gas leasing program to solicit feedback to inform a comprehensive review of the federal oil and gas leasing program. The agency is accepting public comments through April 15th.
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.