Recovering America’s wildlife for future generations
In New Mexico, habitat loss, invasive species and severe weather are taking a toll on bird, mammal, fish, amphibian, reptile and pollinator populations. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish regularly creates a detailed accounting of wildlife in trouble in New Mexico. The most recent State Wildlife Action Plan found that many species, including the Gila trout, are not faring well. But the Department of Game and Fish, like many state wildlife agencies, lacks the funds to do as much as possible to bring species back.
The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, introduced by Reps. Jeff Fortenberry, R-Neb., and Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., changes that. It will direct existing revenue from oil and gas activities on federal lands and waters toward state-led efforts to help wildlife species in decline. If this bill passes, New Mexico will receive $27.9 million for on-the-ground conservation work — without any new taxes or fees. Future generations of Americans deserve to inherit the full diversity of our nation’s fish and wildlife. I hope New Mexico’s members of Congress — along with New Mexico Democratic Sens. Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich — champion this groundbreaking bill. Todd Leahy
deputy director New Mexico Wildlife Federation Albuquerque
Meat is scary
I have no fear of goblins, witches or evil clowns lurking on Halloween. What really scares me is the meat industry. This is the industry that deprives, mutilates, cages, then butchers billions of cows, pigs, turkeys, chickens — animals who feel joy, affection, sadness and pain, as we do.
The meat industry contributes more to our epidemic of diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer than any other, then bullies health authorities to remove warnings from dietary guidelines. It sanctions world hunger by feeding nutritious corn and soybeans to animals instead of people. The meat industry generates more water pollution than all other human activities, spews more greenhouse gases than all transportation and destroys more wildlife habitats than all other industries. These are the things that keep me up at night. Fortunately, my local supermarket offers a rich selection of plant-based meats, milks, cheeses and ice creams, as well as a colorful display of fresh fruit and veggies. It gives me hope and courage for my future. But I still fear for my friends and neighbors. Sam Lostus Santa Fe
Closed but paid for
I enjoy reading the articles regarding Santa Fe Community College. I used to work there and it was, for the most part, a great place to work. But I am just shaking my head over its recent actions. It was reported that the Santa Fe Community College came up with about $200,000 to install “Science on a Sphere,” a gee-whiz science lab (“Making environmental science visual,” Oct. 20). In the meantime, due to budgetary and staffing problems, the planetarium remains closed to the public (“Bright student shows flair for science,” May 15).
Did you know that the SFCC planetarium facility, while dated, is still a place that totally excites the science potential of Santa Fe children? It has been closed for about four years. And now SFCC wants me, a property owner, to pay it more by voting for a new property tax rate in the upcoming bond election, that gives it $24 million (“District, SFCC plan dual bond vote,” Oct. 19). Guess what? I’m voting no. Barney Magrath Santa Fe
Nuke safety board vital
It’s potentially disastrous to disband the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (“Removal of ‘redundant’ nuclear safety board proposed,” Oct. 20), and disingenuous to justify it by arguing that it would save $31 million annually. That is chump change compared to the potential costs of cleaning up after a nuclear accident that possibly could have been prevented had only Los Alamos National Laboratory followed the safety board’s advice. This is just part of a decadeslong effort by the nuclear neocons to cripple the safety board so that it can no longer impede expanded nuclear weapons production.
Regarding Los Alamos and Sandia nuclear weapons issues, I don’t often agree with Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M. But here he clearly deserves our thanks and praise for standing up for the safety board. I hope Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., joins him in protecting the public by protecting these indispensable, independent nuclear safety experts. Jay Coghlan director Nuclear Watch New Mexico Santa Fe