Rep. Stansbury Meets Next Generation of Climate Champions

ALBUQUERQUE—Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury (NM-01) met with students focused on mitigating the climate crisis at Manzano High School and leaders from Conservation Voters of New Mexico.  

"Students like the ones I spoke to this week - who are focused on easing the climate crisis - amaze me," said Rep. Melanie Stansbury (NM-01). "We need more young people focused on climate justice, protecting water rights in New Mexico, mitigating the effects of the climate crisis, and protecting our planet. The conversation today shows me the future for navigating the climate crisis is in good hands." 

The conversation focused on the future of climate crisis mitigation and its impact in New Mexico, and Rep. Stansbury’s work in Congress.  

“Congresswoman Stansbury understands the importance that water holds to communities around the state,” said Zoe Barker, CVNM Land and Water Advocate. “That’s why she’s spent her career fighting to ensure New Mexico has a more secure water future. She’s also committed to bringing more people into conversations around the need to protect our natural resources. Today’s event helps connect Albuquerque youth with the importance of finding policy solutions to environmental challenges, underscoring the reality that addressing the state’s water issues truly can’t wait.” 

“We are incredibly grateful to Representative Stansbury and her team for making time to discuss water and climate issues with Manzano High School students today,” said John Martinez, CVNM Campaigns and Civic Engagement Director. “Study after study shows that young people are very concerned about the environment. Now more than ever, it’s paramount that New Mexico youth are able to connect with and learn about the policymaking process when it comes to these issues.” 

Photos from the event can be found here.  

The Congresswoman has been a climate champion during her entire career. Some her work includes:  

Water:

• The Water Data Act (H.R. 7792) will create a Water Data Council to establish a framework standardizing water data across federal agencies so the data is interoperable and easily accessible to water managers and communities.   
• The Rio Grande Water Security Act (H.R. 7793) provides necessary operational flexibility for water managers in the Rio Grande Basin. The bill also reauthorizes a vital lifeline to address the irrigation infrastructure needs of the Pueblo nations who have used these waters for countless generations.   
• The WaterSMART Access for Tribes Act (H.R.6238) gives the U.S. Secretary of the Interior the power to waive or reduce cost-share requirements for Tribes for WaterSMART, a suite of programs under the Bureau of Reclamation to improve water security across the West. 

Environmental:

• Climate Emergency (H.RES.37) - Co-sponsored this resolution, which acknowledges the existence of climate emergency caused by human activities. It calls for massive-scale mobilization to address the urgent and severe impacts on the economy, health, safety, and national security the United States, demanding the use of existing authorities and emergency powers to mitigate these consequences. 
• Green New Deal Resolution (H.RES. 319) - Co-sponsored this resolution, which recognizes the Federal Governments duty to create a Green New Deal. The Resolution outlines a comprehensive plan to address climate change, create millions of high-wage jobs, and promote justice and equity by ensuring a just transition for all communities and workers towards a sustainable and resilient economy  
• Civilian Climate Corps for Jobs and Justice Act (H.RES.5572) - Co-sponsored this bill, which aims to establish a Civilian Climate Corps under the National and Community Service Act of 1990. The bill seeks to mobilize a diverse workforce to help communities respond to climate change and transition to a clean economy, with a focus on historically underserved communities, by creating jobs and providing training in environmental stewardship and climate resilience  
• Environmental Justice For All Act (H.RES.1705) - Co-sponsored this legislation which aimed at addressing the disproportionate environmental and public health burdens faced by marginalized communities, including communities of color, low-income communities, Tribal and Indigenous communities, and other vulnerable populations. This bill seeks to restore, reaffirm, and reconcile environmental justice and civil rights in the Untied States. 
• Promoting Youth Mental Health and Well-Being in a Changing Climate (H.RES.259) - Co-sponsored this resolution that addresses the severe impact of climate change on youth mental health, highlighting their vulnerability to climate related disasters and the associated psychological stress. IT calls for effective climate action and increased funding for initiatives that support youth mental health, including trauma informed care, expanded access to mental health services, and resilience building in communities. 
• Climate and Health Protection Act - Co-sponsored this resolution which highlights the disproportionate impact of the climate crisis on children's health, rights, and economic opportunities, urging immediate U.S. leadership. It calls for a national, science-based plan to phase out fossil fuels, enhance natural carbon sequestration, and stabilize the climate, aiming to reduce Co2 to safe levels by 2100. 
• Excess Urban Heat Mitigation Act (H.R. 2945) - Co-sponsored this which directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to establish a grant program aimed at reducing excess urban heat. The bill priorities underserved communities, promoting projects like tree planting, cool roofs, and cooling centers to combat extreme heat and improve public health. 
• After joining Congress and helping to pass the Inflation Reduction Act andInfrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Rep. Stansbury recognized the need to improve equitable access to these funds for communities in transition, coordinate technical assistance, expand workforce programs, and continue working towards climate justice and a just transition. 

Other work:  

• Urged White House to establish an Office of Climate Resilience: directs the White House to establish an Office of Climate Resilience to coordinate climate resilience activities across all government agencies in the FY25 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies funding bill. 
• FY25 Funding to Support Environmental Justice Efforts: support the request for $1.5 billion to support environmental justice initiatives and various technical assistance programs supporting communities across the country. 
• Bicameral Letter to White House Council on Environmental Quality on Climate and Environmental Justice: CEQ's proposed Rule includes several updates to better incorporate climate change and environmental justice considerations into the environmental review process under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). 

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