The Colorado River begins in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado and flows an astounding 1,450 miles through the American Southwest, passing through 30 tribal nations and seven states. It is a crucial water source for 40 million people, sustains 5.5 million acres of farmland, and fuels a $1.4 trillion economy that supports 16 million jobs.

In yesterday’s “vote-a-rama” preceding the final vote on the latest Budget Resolution, Senators John Hickenlooper's (D-CO) and Martin Heinrich’s (D-NM) bipartisan amendment to block any effort to sell off America’s parks and public lands through the budget reconciliation process was voted down. In response, Maite Arce, president and CEO of Hispanic Access Foundation, issued the following statement:

Maite Arce is one of these people. She founded the Hispanic Access Foundation, and each year connects Latinos to resources. She sees a growing movement in the Latino community.

Pastor Alvaro Gamez, born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, immigrated to the U.S. at just five years old. By twelve, he felt a deep calling to ministry, and at twenty-two, he recommitted to a life of service, and by twenty-six, he was a licensed pastor in California. Now, through his program, Limit Breakers, he mentors youth pastors, focusing on their mental well-being and leadership development.

New Polling shows widespread and growing concern about conservation and the environment among Latinos in the region. The Mountain West News Bureau's Murphy Woodhouse reports.

As a pastor, I have dedicated the past 30 years to serving the people of this community in Indio, California. This land is not just a landscape, but a source of life, faith, and heritage. My heart is filled with gratitude and joy for the official designation of the Chuckwalla National Monument on January 14, protecting 644,000 acres of desert in southern California, offering much-needed access to outdoor recreation areas for Latinos, reflecting years of hard work, community advocacy, and a deep love for the beautiful desert we are blessed to call home.

On February 3, Secretary of Interior Doug Burgum signed Executive Order 14154, titled “Unleashing American Energy,” which directs the removal of environmental protection regulations in all national monuments and public lands and waters to facilitate carbon-based energy development and extraction. In response, Maite Arce, president and CEO of Hispanic Access Foundation, released the following statement:

Martina Potlach’s journey is one of boundless curiosity and a profound connection to the natural world. As a storyteller, scientist, and designer, she works at the intersection of these fields to illuminate the critical relationship between people, land, and water. Her roots trace back to South America, but her upbringing in Miami, Florida left an indelible mark. Childhood adventures of diving into tropical waters and climbing coconut palms instilled a love for nature. Witnessing firsthand the region’s shifting coastlines, rising skylines, and the destructive power of hurricanes and floods drove her to pursue an education in environmental sciences, urbanism, and design. She is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan and Florida International University, where she recently earned her master’s in landscape architecture with a focus on coastal resilience. She currently serves as a Climate Resilience Coordinator for the Adaptation Team working on coastal and urban resilience issues in the Miami-Dade County Office of Resilience where she leverages cutting-edge nature-based solutions, communication, and outreach.

The Rio Grande Valley, nestled in the southernmost tip of Texas, is rich in culture, community, and natural beauty. Yet, it also faces a profound challenge: a lack of accessible green spaces for its predominantly Hispanic population. As pastors, we see this as more than just a logistical or environmental issue. It’s a spiritual call to action.

Washington, D.C.-- Representatives Celeste Maloy and Mark Amodei introduced a bill to repeal the president’s authority to designate national monuments granted by the Antiquities Act and transfer it solely to Congress, endangering the national parks and protected public lands system. Maite Arce, president and CEO of Hispanic Access Foundation, released the following statement: