[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 123 (Tuesday, July 18, 2023)]
[House]
[Pages H3648-H3649]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING KENT SALAZAR AND CELEBRATING LATINO CONSERVATION WEEK

  (Mr. VASQUEZ asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. VASQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, this week, I join dozens of communities 
across the Nation that are celebrating the 10th annual Latino 
Conservation Week. Today, I want to take the time to honor a remarkable 
leader and Hispanic conservation pioneer of New Mexico, Mr. Kent 
Salazar.
  Kent has made it his life's mission to ensure those places that are 
so special to us in New Mexico and across the West are conserved and 
accessible to all.
  The Honorable Kent Salazar made an impact as the director of 
environmental health for the city of Albuquerque, serving on the New 
Mexico Climate Change Task Force, as president of the New Mexico 
Wildlife Federation, as chair of the National Wildlife Federation, and 
was appointed by President Barack Obama to chair the Valles Caldera 
National Trust.
  Kent also founded Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the 
Outdoors, or HECHO, a testament to his

[[Page H3649]]

leadership in creating diversity in the outdoors.
  More importantly, Kent is a friend to all New Mexicans, a fearless 
champion of diversity, an accomplished hunter and outdoorsman, and one 
of my very good friends, someone who opened doors for me and so many 
others.
  I thank Kent for what he has done for our State and for young 
conservationists like myself. His work will have a lasting impact for 
generations. May we carry his spirit forward with the same passion and 
commitment that has defined his extraordinary life.
  ``Muchas gracias,'' ``Thank you very much.''

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