Happy Earth Day, folks! As we celebrate today, it’s critical we take immediate action on the climate crisis our country is facing right now. Earth is our lifeline and we have a collective responsibility to protect it for future generations.

Here in the Land of Enchantment, we have a deep connection to our public lands and natural resources. Growing up, my parents taught me to care for our land — to know what it means to live from the Earth.

As a young boy, I remember waking up early on our small family farm to work the community acequia to bring precious water into our land. Like many families in New Mexico, we depended on our natural resources to live. It’s so important we make sure our laws respect our ways of life and treat water like the live-giving resource it is.

That’s why I’ve spent my career fighting to protect our land, air, and water for future generations.

In Congress, I’ve worked to increase funding for conservation projects on public lands, preserve our acequias and traditional land uses, prohibit oil and gas extraction leases on the federal land around Chaco Canyon, and so much more. That is the type of leader I have been — and will continue to be — for New Mexico.

Across our state, we see the impact of climate change in parched fields, raging wildfires, and shorter tourist seasons. Too often, I hear the stories of young people worried about their futures because of climate change.

There’s a sense of urgency to tackle this crisis through bold action and help protect the environment for our children while creating millions of green, good-paying jobs that build opportunity for all.

This Earth Day, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting our land, air, and water for future generations. Add your name if you’re willing to join me in making this commitment today:

From securing funds for environmental clean-ups in New Mexico to advancing the cause of environmental justice to creating and preserving public lands, my work always considers how to protect our natural resources for New Mexicans.

Our land is the gift we leave to the next generation, and we must never forget that.

Con gratitud,

Ben Ray