Recognizing the importance of Latino community leadership and engagement in outdoor recreation and conservation activities that protect United States natural resources, and expressing support for the designation of September 12 through September 20, 2026, as "Latino Conservation Week".

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1545 Introduced in House (IH)]

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119th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. RES. 1545

     Recognizing the importance of Latino community leadership and 
   engagement in outdoor recreation and conservation activities that 
protect United States natural resources, and expressing support for the 
  designation of September 12 through September 20, 2026, as ``Latino 
                          Conservation Week''.

_______________________________________________________________________

                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                           September 16, 2026

 Ms. Barragan (for herself, Mr. Costa, Ms. Velazquez, Mr. Frost, Mrs. 
   Grijalva, Mr. Vasquez, Mr. Vargas, Mr. Garcia of California, Ms. 
  Escobar, Mr. Cuellar, Ms. Ocasio-Cortez, Mr. Ruiz, and Ms. Salinas) 
submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee 
                          on Natural Resources

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION

 
     Recognizing the importance of Latino community leadership and 
   engagement in outdoor recreation and conservation activities that 
protect United States natural resources, and expressing support for the 
  designation of September 12 through September 20, 2026, as ``Latino 
                          Conservation Week''.

Whereas ``Latino Conservation Week'' was created by the Hispanic Access 
        Foundation in 2014, to celebrate and strengthen Latino communities' 
        connections to the outdoors and their engagement in activities that 
        promote conservation and stewardship of United States natural resources;
Whereas, throughout this week, Latino communities across the United States lead 
        and participate in outdoor recreation and conservation activities, 
        including hiking, camping, fishing, birdwatching, and stewardship 
        events, on National Conservation Lands, national monuments, national 
        parks, public lands and waters, and other outdoor spaces, highlighting 
        their vital role in protecting and enjoying these treasured places;
Whereas local and national events, such as film screenings, community roundtable 
        discussions, hikes, neighborhood cleanups, tree plantings, and community 
        gardens, demonstrate Latino communities' leadership in advancing 
        environmental justice, fostering community well-being, and preserving 
        cultural and ecological heritage;
Whereas Latino communities are on the front line of environmental change, with 
        78 percent reporting personal experiences with environmental issues 
        impacting their health, communities, or livelihoods, yet they continue 
        to lead solutions and mobilize for clean air, safe water, and resilient 
        communities;
Whereas access to nature, public lands, and water provides measurable physical 
        and mental health benefits, reduces long-term health care costs, and 
        enhances local economies by strengthening outdoor recreation 
        infrastructure;
Whereas communities of color, including Latino communities, are more likely to 
        live in areas with limited access to parks, green spaces, and natural 
        resources, particularly in urban heat islands, underscoring the urgent 
        need for equitable urban planning, investment, and restoration;
Whereas Latino identity, heritage, and stewardship are deeply connected to the 
        Nation's public lands and waters, reflecting centuries of cultural, 
        agricultural, and ecological contributions that continue to shape the 
        natural history and conservation future of the United States;
Whereas, with more than 70,100,000 Latinos representing 21 percent of the United 
        States population, Latinos are a growing force in the outdoor economy 
        and conservation movement;
Whereas equitable access to nearby green spaces, safe and inclusive 
        transportation options, and park features that recognize diverse 
        languages, histories, and cultural uses should be available to all 
        communities; and
Whereas, September 12 through September 20, 2026, is a fitting time to celebrate 
        the growing leadership, engagement, and environmental vision of Latino 
        communities across the Nation to designate as ``Latino Conservation 
        Week'': Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) recognizes the Latino community's longstanding 
        commitment to and leadership in conservation and environmental 
        stewardship;
            (2) affirms that the future of public lands and waters, 
        environmental health, and climate resilience is strengthened by 
        the inclusion, vision, and agency of Latino youth, families, 
        and community leaders; and
            (3) supports the designation of ``Latino Conservation 
        Week''.
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