Penny Aucoin, a resident affected by a recent fracking wastewater leak outside Carlsbad, will address attendees at a rally during Environment Day at the New Mexico Capitol. The event is part of a broader day of environmental advocacy organized by numerous grassroots groups.

The annual gathering draws dozens of environment and community organizations to the Capitol, where they provide training for hundreds of New Mexicans on how to lobby their legislators. Notable elected officials such as Sen. Liz Stefanics, Rep. Patricia Roybal-Caballero, and House Speaker Brian Egolf are scheduled to discuss key legislative topics with activists. These include community solar initiatives, tax credits for rooftop solar and electric vehicles, and energy-efficiency funding aimed at low-income residents.

Chaco advocates are expected to speak about ongoing impacts on cultural heritage in the region. Beata Tsosie from Tewa Women United will deliver a spoken word performance, while Theresa Pasqual, former director of Acoma Pueblo’s Historic Preservation Office, will also address the crowd.

Youth involvement is highlighted with participation from groups like Global Warming Express and RiverSource youth groups.

The event schedule includes live wildlife displays and children's art focused on climate issues from 10:45 a.m. to noon. Information tables from over 40 environmental groups will be available starting at 9:15 a.m., along with lobbying training sessions throughout the day. Attendees can also join committee hearings related to energy and conservation matters.

The rally in the Rotunda is set for noon and will feature Penny Aucoin alongside representatives sponsoring critical climate legislation and youth activists. The final lobby training session is planned for 1:15 p.m., after which teams will engage directly with legislators around 2 p.m.

Environment Day is open to all New Mexicans interested in environmental issues or learning how to effectively communicate with their legislators. The event is free of charge.

For more information, individuals can contact Camilla Feibelman at camilla.feibelman@sierraclub.org or Miya King-Flaherty at miya.king-flaherty@sierraclub.org.