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".
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 734
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-09-18: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Last Updated
- 2025-10-01T08:05:52Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of H. Res. 734
Purpose
This House Resolution aims to highlight the value of involving Latino communities in outdoor activities and efforts to safeguard U.S. natural resources. It expresses formal support for designating the third week of September as "Latino Conservation Week" to celebrate and encourage Latino participation in conservation.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes a series of "Whereas" clauses that provide background and rationale, followed by a "Resolved" section with three main affirmations:
- Recognition of commitment: Acknowledges the Latino community's long history of dedication to conservation and environmental care.
- Affirmation of inclusion: States that involving Latino youth, families, and leaders strengthens the protection of public lands, environmental health, and resilience against climate change.
- Support for designation: Endorses the third week of September as "Latino Conservation Week," noting its origins with the Hispanic Access Foundation and activities like hiking, cleanups, and community events on public lands.
The "Whereas" clauses emphasize:
- Latino-led events during the week, such as outdoor recreation, stewardship, and discussions on environmental justice.
- Challenges faced by Latino communities, including exposure to environmental issues and limited access to green spaces.
- Benefits of nature access for health, economies, and cultural heritage.
- The growing role of Latinos (19% of the U.S. population) in outdoor activities like fishing and conservation.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It serves as a symbolic statement of congressional support rather than enforceable policy.
Potential Impacts
- On citizens: Encourages greater Latino participation in outdoor recreation and conservation, potentially improving access to public lands, health outcomes, and community well-being. It may inspire local events and raise awareness of environmental equity.
- On government agencies: Could prompt agencies like the National Park Service or Bureau of Land Management to promote inclusive programs, though without mandatory requirements. It signals congressional interest in diverse engagement with natural resources.
- On international relations: No direct impacts, as the resolution focuses on domestic U.S. communities and resources.
Main Stakeholders
- Latino communities: Primary beneficiaries, including families, youth, and leaders who engage in or lead conservation efforts.
- Conservation organizations: Groups like the Hispanic Access Foundation, which initiated Latino Conservation Week, and others focused on environmental justice and public lands.
- Public lands users and local governments: Those involved in managing parks, national monuments, and urban green spaces, potentially affected by increased community involvement.
- Congressional members: Sponsors (e.g., Rep. Barragan and cosponsors) and the House Committee on Natural Resources, which received the resolution.
Notable Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: None significant, as resolutions like this do not create legal obligations or alter constitutional frameworks. They are expressions of sentiment and have no force of law.
- Political: Reinforces themes of inclusivity and diversity in environmental policy, potentially influencing future legislation on equitable access to natural resources. It highlights bipartisan or multicultural support for conservation, fostering goodwill among underrepresented groups without partisan controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Barragán, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44]
Cosponsors (17)
Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9], Rep. Salinas, Andrea [D-OR-6], Rep. Costa, Jim [D-CA-21], Rep. Escobar, Veronica [D-TX-16], Rep. Garcia, Robert [D-CA-42], Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7], Rep. Espaillat, Adriano [D-NY-13], Rep. Ruiz, Raul [D-CA-25], Rep. Ramirez, Delia C. [D-IL-3], Rep. Frost, Maxwell [D-FL-10], Rep. Vargas, Juan [D-CA-52], Rep. Randall, Emily [D-WA-6], Rep. Cuellar, Henry [D-TX-28], Rep. Levin, Mike [D-CA-49], Rep. Cisneros, Gilbert Ray [D-CA-31], Rep. Torres, Norma J. [D-CA-35], Rep. Rivas, Luz M. [D-CA-29]
Recent Actions
- 2025-09-18: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 2025-09-18: Submitted in House
- 2025-09-18: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- 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". — issued 2025-09-18 — PDF (3 pages)