Washington, D.C. – On Tuesday, Reps. Adriano Espaillat, Teresa Leger Fernández, Rob Menendez and Luz Rivas joined fellow members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Climate Power En Acción, and GreenLatinos in reaffirming their commitment to protecting the historic climate and infrastructure investments that have empowered Latino communities across the country.
The gathering, in Washington, D.C., highlighted the progress made under recent federal initiatives and the urgent need to safeguard those gains in the face of proposed rollbacks. The event also paid tribute to the enduring climate legacy of Rep. Raúl Grijalva, a champion for environmental justice whose leadership has advanced policies rooted in equity, sustainability, and opportunity for all.
“Latinos are more likely to live in highly polluted areas. Latinos are more likely to face severe weather events. Latinos are more likely to face devastating wildfires, droughts and floods. Perhaps more importantly, Latinos are more likely to have a culture of connection and appreciation of our natural environment. No one understood this better than our brother, Raúl Grijalva,” said CHC Chairman Adriano Espaillat. “Representative Grijalva’s vision transformed the way we approach environmental justice. We must continue fighting to ensure that all communities—especially those on the frontlines—benefit from a clean energy future.”
“Latino communities are on the frontlines of the climate crisis — and we’re leading the fight for bold solutions,” said Congressman Rob Menendez. “Under the incredible leadership of the late Congressman Grijalva, we made real progress. Now, as we uphold his legacy, we must stay united, defend that progress, and keep building a cleaner, healthier future for Latino families across the country.”
Latino communities have seen direct economic and public health benefits from climate-focused investments. According to the Department of Energy, Latinos represent over 20% of the solar and wind energy workforce, well above their share of the U.S. labor force. These gains have created economic opportunity and contributed to long-overdue improvements in air quality and public health.
About the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC)
The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) is 43 members strong. The CHC serves as a forum for the Hispanic Members of Congress to coalesce around a collective legislative agenda. The Caucus is dedicated to voicing and advancing, through the legislative process, issues affecting Hispanics in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. For more information, please visit chc.house.gov.