ICYMI: CHC Members Join Latino Leaders to Defend Clean Energy and Climate Investments, Honor the Legacy of Rep. Raúl Grijalva

WASHINGTON — 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.

Latino children, who are 40% more likely to die from asthma than their white peers, are seeing tangible benefits from policies that reduce pollution and expand access to clean air and green spaces.

“No one fought for our planet and environmental justice more than the late Congressman Raúl Grijalva,” said Congresswoman Luz Rivas. “Throughout his career, he championed a cleaner, healthier, and more just future not only for Arizona, but for communities across the country. His legacy on the House Committee on Natural Resources as a champion for bold climate actions that prioritize the needs of our most vulnerable communities will remain an inspiration. During Earth Month, I am proud to join Climate Power en Acción, GreenLatinos, and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus in celebrating the late Congressman Raúl Grijalva’s leadership and advocacy for our public lands and resources. Our planet is better off because of his work.”

“I’m proud to join Climate Power En Acción, GreenLatinos, and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus this Earth Month to honor the incredible leadership of Congressman Raúl Grijalva. Thanks to his decades of advocacy and leadership, House Democrats secured historic investments in clean energy and environmental justice—and improved the health of our communities. With these investments now under attack, we must come together to defend the progress we fought so hard to achieve and continue to build a cleaner, healthier future for the next generation,” said Rep. Nanette Barragán.

As federal clean energy funding faces political threats, members of Congress and advocates alike are raising their voices to defend and extend the investments that are transforming communities and saving lives.

“From solar rooftops to electric buses, these investments are not abstract—they’re creating jobs, lowering utility bills, and saving lives in Latino neighborhoods across America,” said Antonieta Cádiz, Deputy Executive Director at Climate Power En Acción. “Rep. Grijalva’s legacy is a roadmap for our future—and we must protect it at all costs.”

The event concluded with a united call for Congress to double down on policies that advance environmental justice and climate resilience, ensuring that Rep. Grijalva’s legacy lives on and that Latino voices remain at the forefront of the climate movement.