Read Jerry on protecting the environment and New Mexico’s role in a clean energy economy:  Carbon Tax Trumps Cap and Trade, Albuquerque Weekly Alibi December 24, 2009 A New Manhattan Project, Albuquerque Weekly Alibi, April 9, 2009   Currently, Jerry is working on a legislative proposal that would move $4 or $5 billion from New Mexico's severance tax (oil and gas) permanent fund into a separate permanent fund, to be called the "alternative energy production permanent fund" to be used for making investments into New Mexico-based wind, solar and geothermal commercial-scale production projects. It makes these projects more feasible economically and it makes the state's permanent fund a partner (up to 50% of any one project) and one of the beneficiaries of the profits from the project. As A State Senator, Jerry has been active as a leader in various Environmental and Energy areas. Jerry Ortiz y Pino: Sponsored a successful bill that supports bio-diesel production and provides incentives to boost it. Has earned a 92% rating for the 2009 legislative year from New Mexico Conservation Voters and an overall rating of 90%. As a champion of environmental justice, Jerry has been a strong supporter of regulations that protect minorities and people in parts of the state where poor communities are vulnerable to pollution or exploitation. Is against the reopening of Uranium mines without extremely stringent environmental and human health protections in place to avoid a repeat of the disastrous consequences that Grants and other areas are suffering from after the first wave of uranium mines closed. Is against the Desert Rock Power Plant in the 4 Corners area because it exploits Navajos once again for cheap energy they may not benefit from, and instead, in an area with a high incidence of asthma and respiratory conditions already, does not promise to be a clean energy producer. Has worked closely with acequia associations in efforts to better manage water resources at the local level throughout the state.   photo by Alan Pogue Navajo uranium miners often worked in "doghole mines" that they dug with shovels, covered in the yellow dust, bringing it home to their families. A few are still around, but many died of sickness that may be related to radiation exposure.