Hispanic Community Leaders Advocate for Equitable Energy Policies in Meetings with Emmer, Duarte
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Hispanic Energy Council (NHEC), founded to bring a Hispanic voice to energy policy discussions and lower the 20% higher energy cost burden they face, has held its first annual fly-in to Washington, D.C., to meet with Congressional leaders and relevant Committee staff.
These included House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, Members of the House Natural Resources Committee and staff from the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
“In our discussions with Congressional leadership and members, we advocated for energy policies that truly reflect the diverse interests of America’s Hispanics,” said NHEC Chairman Julio Fuentes, who is also president and CEO of the Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “It’s essential that the energy policy dialogue acknowledges and addresses the 20% higher energy burden Hispanic families typically face compared to their non-Hispanic counterparts.”
NHEC highlighted the critical importance of energy affordability and reliability for Hispanics, integral to the nation’s economy, by spotlighting the impressive $3.2 trillion Latino contribution to America’s Gross Domestic Product last year. This contribution alone would rank as the world’s fifth-largest economy, underscoring the significant economic impact of the Hispanic community.
“Direct engagement with lawmakers is an essential part of our American democracy, and we thank those that we met with for taking time to hear our concerns and aspirations,” said NHEC Vice Chairman Matthew Gonzales, who is also the former Mayor of the Village of Cimarron, NM, and Consumer Energy Alliance’s Southwest Executive Director. “Our aim is to ensure that energy policies are inclusive and support the economic growth potential and entrepreneurial vitality of America’s Hispanics.”
These Congressional meetings are a continuation of NHEC’s dedicated efforts to advocate for fair and equitable energy policies that benefit the growing Hispanic community in the U.S. NHEC looks forward to continuing to engage on Capitol Hill, in state capitols, and local communities for the Hispanic community.
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About The National Hispanic Energy Council
The National Hispanic Energy Council (NHEC) The National Hispanic Energy Council is founded on the principle of fair and equitable energy for all Americans, driven by the urgent need to reduce the 20% higher energy burden Hispanic families pay compared to the median American family. Drawing on expertise from across the economy and Hispanic community, we exist to fill a void in advocacy: a voice for energy policies that helps Hispanic families, businesses and entrepreneurs. The Council is building a bipartisan coalition of leaders of Hispanic groups across the country and exists to educate elected officials, policymakers and the Hispanic public on what good energy policy choices look like.
Contact:
Bryson Hull
(202) 657-2855
bhull@hbwresources.com
