In March, as schools and businesses around the country began to close to stem the rise of the coronavirus pandemic, Moms Clean Air Force made the heartbreaking decision to cancel all in-person events and started making plans to continue our work in the face of COVID-19’s threat to the health and well-being of our loved ones.
In August, we launched our virtual climate conversation series, Speak Out for Climate Action. During these virtual conversations, we put lawmakers around the country in the hot seat and talk to them about clean air, the climate crisis, and how they are working toward justice in every breath for their constituents.
This installment of our climate conversations will feature Congresswoman Deb Haaland and our New Mexico field organizer Celerah Hewes. Watch live on Facebook at 5 pm MT / 7 pm ET.
Congresswoman Deb Haaland represents New Mexico’s 1st congressional district and is one of the first Native American women serving in Congress. As a 35th generation New Mexican, single-mom, and organizer, Haaland knows the struggles of New Mexico families, but she also knows how resilient and strong New Mexico communities are. In Congress she’s a force fighting climate change and for renewable energy jobs as Vice Chair of the House Natural Resources Committee, a powerful supporter of military personnel, families, and veterans on the House Armed Services Committee, and continues to advocate for dignity, respect, and equality for all.
Celerah Hewes is our New Mexico state field organizer. She grew up in Corrales, New Mexico, where she loved to climb trees and race her bike with the neighbor’s horse. After moving to San Francisco to get her MA in U.S. history, she returned home to Albuquerque to have a family. Since returning, she has been working with local businesses that believe taking care of people and protecting air, land, and water are as important as profit. She has a daughter who loves exploring nature, and she hopes to help preserve that for other families.