First, a vote by U.S. Rep. Harry Teague, D-N.M., for a controversial cap-and-trade energy bill was labeled as “the most daring of any in his caucus” in an article published in The Politico.
Now, the Huffington Post is publishing a commentary that mentions U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., as one who joined a coalition that “successfully pushed to include key provisions in the bill — provisions that will bring economic opportunity to disadvantaged communities.”
Specifically, the bill includes “almost $1 billion in funding for job training programs, and it ensures local access to quality jobs in green construction.”
The commentary, written by Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins, CEO of Green For All, states that members of the Black and Hispanic caucuses were instrumental in making that happen, and specifically mentions two — including Luján — who “participated in the discussion and fought for their communities.”
The bill narrowly passed the House but is expected to have a more difficult time in the Senate. The commentary is designed to push senators.
“The leadership role taken on by advocates for people of color and the working poor has never before been seen on this scale when it comes to climate and energy legislation. It was essential to getting the equity provisions into (the bill), and has helped shift the terms of the debate,” the commentary states. “Senators should hear this message loud and clear as they draft legislation: Opportunity for low-income communities must be included.”