Commentary: Las Cruces – ProgressNow New Mexico EF (501c3) has released a video ad featuring City of Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima that calls on Rep. Steve Pearce (NM-2) to step up for his constituents and represent their interests in Congress and supporting renewable energy policies.
“Mr. Pearce, your views on climate change and energy are simply out of touch with your constituents. As a fellow elected official and public servant, I implore you not to turn your backs on New Mexicans,” Miyagishima said. “We need your leadership in Washington D.C. We need you to you to commit to do everything in your power to support the growth of renewable energy in New Mexico.”
The video highlights that the City of Las Cruces now generates 20 percent of its own energy through clean solar installations on city property. It also touts recent polling that shows that 70 percent of residents in New Mexico’s second congressional district report trusting climate scientists and understand that climate change is a real threat that can be addressed through greater reliance on renewable energy.
As part of the Step Up Steve campaign, ProgressNow New Mexico EF also published two billboard ads (see billboard image here) this week in Las Cruces and Socorro that will run for three months. The ads and billboard direct people to www.StepUpSteve.org, which hosts links highlighting Pearce’s disappointing voting record on supporting the renewable energy industry and climate change initiatives. Rep. Pearce has voted repeatedly to cut or eliminate funding for important and innovative renewable energy and energy efficiency programs at the U.S. Department of Energy.
“As someone who has worked in the solar industry and also personally owns a rooftop photovoltaic system, it is so critical that we continue to expand the access people have to affordable renewable energy in New Mexico,” said Lucas Herndon, Communications Manager for ProgressNow NM. “I think it’s great to see our city’s mayor calling for increased accountability from our member of congress when it comes to his bad record on supporting the renewable energy sector, the jobs it creates, and the positive effect it has on the climate.”
The Step Up Steve campaign (www.StepUpSteve.org) is a group of non-profit organizations, including New Mexico Wildlife Federation and Hispanic Access Foundation, that united around educating the public and elected officials about the importance of conservation and environmental issues in New Mexico. Strictly educational in nature, the effort seeks to share real stories of New Mexicans and show a side of these issues that are often overlooked.