119-hres734

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 734 Introduced in House

    (IH) ]

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119th CONGRESS
 1st Session
H. RES. 734

 Recognizing the importance of engagement with the Latino community to 
 get into outdoor recreation and participate in activities to protect 
 United States natural resources, and expressing support for the 
 designation of the third week of September as ``Latino Conservation 
 Week''.

_______________________________________________________________________

 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

 September 18, 2025

 Ms. Barragan (for herself, Mr. Soto, Ms. Salinas, Mr. Costa, Ms. 
 Escobar, Mr. Garcia of California, Ms. Velazquez, Mr. Espaillat, Mr. 
 Ruiz, Mrs. Ramirez, Mr. Frost, Mr. Vargas, Ms. Randall, Mr. Cuellar, 
 Mr. Levin, Mr. Cisneros, and Mrs. Torres of California) submitted the 
 following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Natural 
 Resources

_______________________________________________________________________

 RESOLUTION

 Recognizing the importance of engagement with the Latino community to 
 get into outdoor recreation and participate in activities to protect 
 United States natural resources, and expressing support for the 
 designation of the third week of September as ``Latino Conservation 
 Week''.

Whereas ``Latino Conservation Week'' was created by the Hispanic Access 
 Foundation to support Latino communities in experiencing the outdoors 
 and engaging in activities that promote the protection 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, birdwatching, and stewardship events, on 
 National Conservation Lands, national monuments, national parks, and 
 other public lands, 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 and public lands 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 
 public lands, 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 63,700,000 Latinos representing 19 percent of the United 
 States population, and with 4,400,000 Latino anglers participating in 
 fishing at higher rates than the general 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 the third week of September 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 conservation and environmental stewardship;

    (2) affirms that the future of public lands, environmental 
 health, and climate resilience is strengthened by the 
 inclusion, vision, and agency of Latino youth, families, and 
 leaders; and

    (3) supports the designation of ``Latino Conservation 
 Week''.
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