As the California League of Conservation Voters transitions to new leadership of our Board of Directors, I want to share our top priorities with our members, the environmental community, and our partners in labor and the business community. Before I do that, I want to let you know how honored and humbled I am to move into a new role as the incoming Chair of the Board of CLCV. I have always viewed my membership on the CLCV Board as an opportunity for public service in an area that I am passionate about.
My interest in and commitment to environmental protection arose during my childhood. I grew up in a poor farm community in the Rio Grande Valley, south of Albuquerque, New Mexico, where my mother, Erlinda Chavez Zbur and her family have lived for generations.
Our community had no public water supply or sewers, and everyone drew their water from shallow wells that, over time, became contaminated from the many unregulated septic systems and agricultural chemicals. As I was growing up, I saw many of my uncles, aunts and cousins battle kidney and liver disease and cancer; illnesses that I am convinced arose from a lifetime of drinking contaminated water. I witnessed first-hand what happens to communities and to precious natural resources when our government fails to protect public health and the environment.
As I look at my three young children, Shireen Valerie, Rayan Francisco and Rafael Nihkil, one of my greatest fears is that they will inherit a planet that will force them to confront unimaginable challenges. The best scientific studies indicate that unless our generation acts very soon to address global warming and reduce carbon emissions, significant impacts will occur – not centuries from now – but within the lifetimes of our kids and grandchildren.
Climatic changes will threaten their food supply. Wild open spaces and sensitive habitats that are home to some of the world’s most remarkable species could be irreparably damaged. Sea water rise will require the relocation of many of the world’s population centers, and expenditures that dwarf what is spent today on healthcare, the social safety net, and the military combined. Unless our generation takes steps now, our children’s ability to have a decent home, find a good job, and experience the beauty and wonder of the natural world – indeed, our entire way of life – is at risk.
These are just some of the considerations I think about as I move into this new role at CLCV, and why I consider it an honor to contribute in an even more significant way in the next few years.
CLCV and our allies face a number of challenges and opportunities as we move into an important period for California’s environmental movement. Tomorrow, I’ll share with you some of CLCV’s priorities over the coming years.
