SouthWest Organizing Project

The SouthWest Organizing Project is identifying and organizing Latinos in New Mexico to educate decision makers on the benefits of state and federal policies to replace coal-fired power plants with renewable energy. Coal plants in the Four Corners area produce some of the most unhealthy air in the country.

The SouthWest Organizing Project used Foundation funding in 2013 to identify and engage Hispanics in New Mexico who care about clean energy and climate issues. In its first year, the project canvassed nearly 100,000 Hispanic households to collect comments in defense of state regulations that safeguard water from oil and gas pollution. Work in 2014 would involve engaging and developing stronger advocates and leaders among concerned residents identified in the 2013 outreach effort.

These two organizations would partner in identifying and engaging Hispanics in New Mexico who care about clean energy and climate issues. The first phase of the project involves canvassing roughly 100,000 Hispanic households to collect comments in defense of state regulations safeguarding water quality from oil and gas pollution. The second phase involves continued further education and engagement on climate and clean energy issues over time.