Washington, D.C. — Today, New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) signed an executive order creating a statewide goal to conserve 30 percent of lands and waters by 2030 (“30×30”). The commitment echoes and aims to be consistent with a national 30×30 goal set by President Joe Biden during his first week in office. Christy Goldfuss, senior vice president for Energy and Environment Policy at the Center for American Progress, issued the following statement in support of the order:
Gov. Lujan Grisham’s order to conserve New Mexico’s lands and waters for the benefit of all communities is both visionary and absolutely necessary to confront the climate and conservation crises. Building on the success of their Outdoor Equity Fund and the work of their congressional representatives in spurring the national 30×30 goal, this order follows on New Mexico’s leadership on conservation, climate, and justice. Gov. Lujan Grisham’s order will safeguard New Mexico’s intact natural landscapes and clean rivers, which support the state’s outdoor heritage and bolster its economy.
Gov. Lujan Grisham has laid out a hopeful and ambitious vision to support the stewardship priorities of tribal nations, confront racial and economic disparities in nature conservation, and protect the health and rich animal and plant diversity of New Mexico. Using science-based rationale, the executive order is also crucial in the state’s efforts to achieve its goals to address climate change and to expand access to the outdoors for all. New Mexico is once again leading by example toward a healthy, prosperous, and more equitable planet.
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