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Young Latinos and Advocates Unite to Call for Bold Action on Climate Change in Key Electoral State of Wisconsin

Oldest and largest U.S. Hispanic advocacy organization hosts convening of youth and environmental advocates to discuss civil rights imperative to fight climate change

MILWAUKEE (July 12, 2019) – Today, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) was joined by advocates and the group's youth leaders in calling for bold steps to protect the environment and flight climate change. As a powerful voice in the space, LULAC is proud to stand together as a community in support of sustainability. Latino youth, who have often been on the forefront in the fight for civil rights, today took a stand on climate change.

“Latino communities across the United States are disproportionately and severely impacted by polluted air, water and other environmental injustices and we demand an aggressive agenda to deal with these injustices and the ravaging effects of climate change on our communities,” said Mark Magaña, President & CEO of GreenLatinos. “These are significant issues of justice for our families that are provoking large scale civic activation now and in the upcoming election, that lawmakers should focus on as they develop their policy platforms for a cleaner and healthier future.”

“LULAC is helping forge significant social and environmental progress while inspiring and empowering the next generation of environmental and civic leaders,” said Derek Walker, EDF's Vice President, U.S. Climate. “EDF is committed to supporting LULAC’s work to address climate change and to amplify the voices of Latino communities in the climate debate.”

LULAC believes in protecting the environment, climate and the promotion of renewable energy sources of our communities and overall planet. Through partnerships with the Environmental Defense Fund and Energy Foundation, LULAC continues to advocate for environmental sustainability and clean energy across the local, state and national levels.

“From anticipating the effect of climate change on migration to supporting the development of local Climate Action and Adaptation Plans that are proactive and culturally responsive, LULAC is committed to protecting the environment, conserving our natural resources, and promoting alternative renewable energy sources in order for our communities to thrive,” said Diana Perez, LULAC’s Washington State Director. “We are proud of our partners and the continued fight for clean air, water and land, environmental sustainability and clean energy jobs that will improve the quality of life for Latinos living in the United States.”

Today’s panel was joined by LULAC Youth President Lindsey Luis; LULAC Washington State Director Diana Perez; Vice President for US Climate at the Environmental Defense Fund Derek Walker; and President & CEO of GreenLatinos Mark Magaña.

This is one of the many activities hosted by LULAC during its 90th Annual Convention around equality. In addition to this panel, LULAC will host a discussion on environmental refugees affected by climate change on Friday, July 12 at 3:30pm. An agenda and list of speakers is available here.

More about the LULAC’s 90th Annual Convention

Led by LULAC President Domingo Garcia and CEO Sindy Benavides, LULAC’s four-day convention will bring together over 20,000 Latino leaders from across the country for seminars and notable events, including a Presidential Town Hall with 2020 candidates: Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT); Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA); former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Julián Castro; and former Representative Beto O’Rourke (D-TX). LULAC will also host a national stage featuring Second Lady of the United States Dr. Jill Biden (2009 – 2017); Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO); U.S. Representative Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI). An agenda and list of speakers is available here. Select events, including the Presidential Town Hall, will be live streamed at www.lulac.org/live.

For more information on interview opportunities, please contact Cristina Rue at crue@skdknick.com or (937) 479-9330 or Mary Ellen Garrett at mgarrett@skdknick.com or (202) 510-2760. For your broadcast A/V needs, please reach out to Marcela Salazar at msalazar@skdknick.com or (202) 567-1163

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation’s largest and oldest civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 1,000 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit www.LULAC.org