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Advancing State Leadership for Environmental Justice: A New Chapter with GreenLatinos

In times of challenge, we often discover the greatest opportunities to create meaningful change. Federal rollbacks on environmental policies have brought uncertainty, disproportionately affecting frontline communities and exacerbating systemic inequities. Yet, these challenges remind us of a vital truth: change begins in our communities. Together, through collective action at the state and local levels, we can build a future rooted in equity and environmental justice.

Today, I am honored to step into my new role as Vice President of State Programs for GreenLatinos. This moment marks a personal milestone and a broader opportunity to elevate state-based solutions for the environmental challenges impacting our Latino communities.

Stepping Into Leadership: My Journey with GreenLatinos

I began my career as an educator, believing in the power of knowledge to transform lives. That belief led me to serve in all three branches of local government, where I gained firsthand experience in how policies are shaped at every level of American government. But my path to environmental justice wasn’t planned—it was a necessity.

When the state decided to widen a highway through my mother’s neighborhood, I saw firsthand how frontline communities are often sacrificed in the name of progress. My fight to protect my family and neighbors led me to the environmental justice movement—not as a policy expert, but as someone defending their home.

That fight eventually brought me to GreenLatinos. I first engaged with our network during a DC fly-in organized by EarthJustice. In that space, I found a community of dedicated Latino leaders fighting for environmental justice, climate action, and the protection of our shared heritage. I became an active member, and over time, my role within the organization deepened.

Building on the Foundation of Colorado’s Success

For the past 6 years, I’ve had the privilege of serving as the Colorado State Director for GreenLatinos. In this role, I witnessed firsthand the strength of community-led advocacy and the transformative power of grassroots partnerships.

Together with our Colorado team and members, we made significant strides: passing transformative legislation like the Colorado Environmental Justice Act and securing victories in critical regulatory rulemakings to protect communities from pollution and lower costs for families. We embarked on five statewide listening and educational tours, engaging residents across all 64 counties. Our community-informed research spurred impactful policy changes, and when necessary, we took the state and polluters to court—and won.

Beyond advocacy, we brought cultura en acción through service projects & celebrations. Through initiatives like the Justicia y Equidad Fund and the Frontline Accelerator Program, we delivered resources and expertise to empower local changemakers. Each of these victories reflects the resilience, determination, and vision of the communities we serve.

The work in Colorado reaffirmed for me the importance of state-level leadership in advancing environmental justice. As federal support wavers, states have become the frontline of innovation and advocacy. Our work demonstrates that when we center the voices of those most affected, we achieve solutions that are equitable, impactful, and enduring.

A Vision for State Programs

As I transition into my new role, I am inspired by the incredible potential that lies ahead. GreenLatinos has always been about lifting up voices from every corner of the country. Now, I have the privilege of working with member leaders across five states to amplify their visions, strengthen their initiatives, and create a shared strategy for progress.

This new chapter is not without its challenges. Federal rollbacks on environmental protections mean that our communities must work harder to protect the land, air, and water that sustain us. But within these challenges lies an opportunity to amplify our narrative and chart a path forward that reflects our shared values.

In collaboration with state leaders, my goal is to build capacity, foster partnerships, and deliver the resources needed to transform grassroots movements into sustainable, impactful programs. This is a chance to connect the wisdom of local leaders with the collective power of our national network.

Engaging the GreenLatinos Network

The strength of GreenLatinos lies in its members—the advocates, organizers, and community leaders who dedicate themselves to this work every day. I invite each of you to join me in this journey. Whether you’re mobilizing for clean energy solutions, protecting sacred lands, or fighting for clean air and water in your community, your voice matters.

I encourage you to reach out, share your stories, and collaborate with us. Together, we can develop innovative solutions, exchange best practices, and advocate for the changes our communities need.

By working collectively, we can ensure that every state is equipped to address its unique challenges while contributing to a national vision for environmental justice.

A Future of Opportunity

Despite the obstacles we face, I remain hopeful. Hope comes from the power of our collective voice, the unwavering commitment of GreenLatinos members, and the incredible momentum we’ve built together.

This moment calls for bold action and collaborative leadership. With your partnership, we can create meaningful change that transcends state lines and federal barriers, ensuring a healthier, more equitable future for all.

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve in this new role and look forward to working alongside each of you. Together, we will continue to build on the successes of GreenLatinos and advance the fight for justice, equity, and environmental protection.

Let’s make this new chapter one of collective impact and transformative change.

In solidarity,

Ean Thomas Tafoya

Vice President of State Programs

GreenLatinos

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