Join us in protecting the public health, land, air, and water of the Rio Chama Watershed.
As the world continues to evolve rapidly in 2021, Rio Arriba Concerned Citizens has also taken a look at our own service and has refined its Mission. Please join us in celebrating and protecting the pristine and beautiful Rio Chama Watershed!
Mission Statement
We are a grassroots organization that defends against Oil and Gas development in the Rio Chama Watershed, NM while educating and advocating for sustainable, safe energy and income sources in our region.
Our Considerations Are:
- To inform and educate our community on current issues that affect public health, safety, land, air and water quality in the Rio Chama Watershed.
- To promote the Rio Chama Watershed as a model for sustainable development and renewable energy.
- To stand for the “Frontier District” as designated in the Rio Arriba County Oil and Gas Ordinance (2009). This district is east of the Continental Divide and home of the Rio Chama Watershed.
- To maintain a relationship with Federal, State, and County decision-makers to provide information and education concerning Oil and Gas development and promoting Green Energy to the wider community.
Our Latest Newsletter
Our Mission to Protect the Rio Chama Watershed
As the world wakes up in 2021, Rio Arriba Concerned Citizens has also taken a look at our purpose and our service, and has refined its mission.
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This article shows what lengths the oil and gas industry will go to maintain influence over New Mexico lawmakers. Below are the beginning few paragraphs - we urge you to read the entire piece.
Sept. 2, 2021 - "Once again the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association is trying to sell us, the good people of New Mexico, a bill of goods and unfortunately it looks like some of our legislative leaders are buying it."
"Today’s Santa Fe New Mexican reports that Democrats in the legislature (yeah you read that right) have sent Environment Secretary James Kenney a letter expressing “concern” about a made-up report that NMOGA paid for to try and do exactly this: blind the Legislative Finance Committee and other legislators to the true cost of the oil and gas industry."
"To summarize: A Florida company was hired by the oil and gas lobbyists to write a report that would show stricter regulations on ozone emissions would cost them TOO MUCH money."
"Surprise! That’s what the report says."
"NMOGA showed the report to the LFC, and now Chairs Patty Lundstrom and George Munoz are wringing their hands about lost revenue."
"It would be great if our Democratic leaders could stop being the inadvertent (hopefully) cheerleaders and de facto spokespeople for the oil and gas industry that has shown over and over again to not care about our communities."
"For instance, residents of northwest New Mexico are being saddled with unhealthy pollution from the oil and gas industry. That is why groups and individuals from across the region including faith leaders, tribal officials, and environmental groups are supporting strong NMED action on oil and gas air pollution. It’s extremely disappointing that Chairs Munoz and Lundstrom have chosen to side with big polluters over the health of their own constituents."
NMOGA is trying to fleece NM lawmakers, and they're buying it
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Once again the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association is trying to sell us, the good people of New Mexico, a bill of goods and unfortunately it looks like some of our legislative leaders are buying it. To... From Amigos Bravos - A "Rally for the Rio" Event, September 18th, 2021 - check it out! Guided bird watching, float trips, workshops on photographing birds in the wild, a fly fishing demo, and more! For more details: www.amigosbravos.org/upcoming-events/
"Rivers flow through our communities as water flows through our veins. Healthy rivers are the lifeblood to each and every one of us – for the water we drink, the food we eat, for our economy, for our health. Here in New Mexico, Amigos Bravos has been protecting and restoring the water we drink, the rivers, streams, and lakes in which we play, and the waterways that grow our food, feed our livestock and sustain wildlife.
We want to thank all of you who have stepped up over the past 33 years to support our efforts. You have called your members of Congress. You have written comments to the U.S. Forest Service to protect New Mexico's Wetland jewels. You have shared comments at myriad public hearings. You have made donations to help us fight the fight.
We are so grateful to all of you – long-time members, and those of you who just joined recently – for speaking up for clean water and healthy rivers.
Our Rally for the Rio is our flagship annual event to show our appreciation for the important role our members play in helping us carry out our mission. It's our way to thank you by giving back.
While following all the latest safety guidelines to keep our attendees safe, we hope that our river friends will join us to celebrate this year’s Rally for the Rio on Saturday, September 18, 2021. This year, we are offering a choice of four different free events to show our appreciation for our members.
Free float rides, a bird watching tour, a workshop on how to photograph birds in the wild and a fly fishing demo. All free to members.
Spaces are limited for the float rides, the guided bird watching tour in Orilla Verde and the bird photography workshop in the Pilar Visitor Center. Reserve your spot by clicking the link below. We hope to see you on the Rio on the 18th!"
Painting: "In the Shadow of the Canyon" by Peggy Trigg.
Sharing from Climate West and Frack Off Greater Chaco. From Climate West - "Today WildEarth Guardians joined frontline advocates from Greater Chaco and Greater Carlsbad regions in NM, supporting an end to federal fossil fuels and calling on New Mexico leaders to stop dragging their feet."
Watch the video link below for the full story.Here's the full video of Frontline communities from Greater Carlsbad and Greater Chaco regions demand federal fossil fuel reform and an end to Sacrifice Zones.
This is the first-ever joint press conference between advocates from both corners of the state.
Video Link: bit.ly/3scVrna
Pueblo Action Alliance, Diné C.A.R.E., San Juan Citizens Alliance, Citizens Caring for the Future, WildEarth Guardians, Earthworks, Food and Water Watch- New Mexico, Sierra Club: Rio Grande Chapter