New Mexico Environmental Law Center Hands Out Its Awards For 2021
by Gwynne Ann Unruh
The Paper.
December 26th, 2021

The New Mexico Environmental Law Center (NMELC) has announced the winners of its Annual Environmental Justice Awards for 2021. Four awards were given out this year including the yearly presentation of a tongue-in-cheek environmental injustice “award”— a mock “invoice” to the Toxic Polluter of the year for harming the environment and the health of those who call the Land of Enchantment home.

Environmental injustice can be fueled by discrimination, market dynamics, lack of citizen power, industrialization and capitalism. Environmental justice upholds the sacredness of Mother Earth, ecological unity and the interdependence of all species, and the right to be free from ecological destruction. The key to receiving that justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.

“The NMELC Environmental Justice Awards are our way of recognizing the powerful work of community advocates who work tirelessly in defending and upholding environmental justice across the state of New Mexico,” Dr. Virginia Necochea, Executive Director of NMELC, said….

Read more.