[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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