[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 148 (Thursday, September 29, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S6278]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    SENATE RESOLUTION 602--SUPPORTING THE INCLUSION AND MEANINGFUL 
  ENGAGEMENT OF LATINOS IN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION 
                                EFFORTS

  Mr. BENNET (for himself, Mr. Menendez, Mr. Reid, Mr. Udall, Mr. 
Coons, Mr. Markey, Mr. Heinrich, Ms. Mikulski, Mr. Franken, Mr. 
Merkley, Ms. Stabenow, Mrs. Boxer, Mrs. Feinstein, Ms. Cantwell, Mrs. 
Murray, Mr. Cardin, and Mr. Heller) submitted the following resolution; 
which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources:

                              S. Res. 602

       Whereas Latinos are the largest ethnic group in the United 
     States, with more than 56,600,000 Latinos making up 17.6 
     percent of the population of the United States;
       Whereas the Latino community is projected to grow to nearly 
     \1/4\ of the population of the United States by 2050;
       Whereas Latinos should have greater representation in the 
     decisionmaking process relating to, and management of, public 
     land;
       Whereas Latino conservation initiatives break down 
     barriers, improve access to public land, and encourage 
     outreach to, and new opportunities for, the Latino community 
     to use public land;
       Whereas Latino conservation efforts can range from outdoor 
     activities, such as hiking and kayaking, to educational 
     activities and community gatherings;
       Whereas increased access to outdoor recreation 
     opportunities encourages Latino families and youth to engage 
     with the outdoors and demonstrate the commitment of the 
     Latino families and youth to conservation;
       Whereas each person should have the opportunity to discover 
     his or her history, culture, and heritage by exploring and 
     experiencing the public land of the United States;
       Whereas access to green spaces provides for healthier and 
     more active lifestyles, which helps address numerous health 
     disparity issues facing the Latino community, such as 
     diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease;
       Whereas the participation of Latinos in conservation 
     efforts can encourage the interest and involvement of Latinos 
     in careers in conservation;
       Whereas the people of the United States must ensure that 
     the public land and natural surroundings of the United States 
     are protected for future generations; and
       Whereas the members of the largest ethnic group in the 
     United States, as the environmental stewards of tomorrow, 
     will play a significant role in securing the future success 
     and preservation of the public land of the United States, 
     especially as that group continues to grow; Now, therefore, 
     be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) recognizes the role of Latinos in protecting and 
     preserving the land, water, and wildlife of the United 
     States;
       (2) supports the inclusion and meaningful engagement of 
     Latinos in environmental protection and conservation efforts; 
     and
       (3) encourages Latinos in the United States to participate 
     in ceremonies, activities, and programs that engage the 
     community in the outdoors and bring awareness to the 
     importance of conservation.

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