Legislator Spotlight: Representative Joanne Ferrary, New Mexico

What motivated you to get involved with environmental issues?

Realizing how environmental pollution was negatively impacting the health of people in our State. How we need to protect our natural resources for clean air, water and soil for the generations. We need to transition to clean energy production and minimize oil and gas extraction and polluting effects.

What environmental issues are you most passionate about and why? How have you worked in the legislature to address these issues?

I feel strongly that every State should pass into their Constitution the Green Amendment as adopted to their culture and needs for environmental protections at every level of local and State government and to consider the impacts on people, environment and climate stability.

How has NCEL helped you in your work?

NCEL has supported NM legislative efforts with shared knowledge through annual conference workshops, local meetings and expertise to organize a legislative caucus to further environmental legislation.

What is your greatest environmental policy success story?

Support to our State for the Wildlife Corridors funding, as well as bringing awareness and State sharing opportunities for the Green Amendment was very helpful. NCEL helps legislators stay apprised of current science based information on clean energy issues critical to good legislation to protect our environment.