Contacts:

• Ray Powell, 505-507-0697
• Neri Holguin, Campaign Manager, 505-217-8705

Ray Powell Sweeps Conservation Endorsements for State Land Commission

Sierra Club and Conservation Voters New Mexico announce support for Powell on Earth Day

ALBUQUERQUE (Wednesday, April 21, 2010). On the eve of Earth Day, two prominent New Mexico environmental groups have announced their endorsements for Ray Powell, Democratic Party candidate for State Land Commissioner. The two groups are Conservation Voters New Mexico and the Sierra Club’s Rio Grande Chapter.

Ray Powell is running for Land Commissioner on a platform of reform in the State Land Office, creating economic development, and conserving and protecting New Mexico’s valuable public lands.

Powell, an Albuquerque veterinarian and former Land Commissioner, thanked Conservation Voters and Sierra Club for their support in the upcoming June 1 primary election.

“Environmental protection and economic sustainability go hand-in-hand,” Powell said. “It is our duty to protect our treasured public lands for the benefits they offer today and for future generations.”

Powell, who served as NM State Land Commissioner from 1993 to 2002, has worked extensively to protect New Mexico’s land and water quality. During his previous term, Powell worked with opposing groups to find common interests and solve problems. His accomplishments won praise from business, labor, sovereign tribes, agriculture groups, sportsmen, academic researchers, and conservationists.

Sandy Buffett, executive director of Conservation Voters New Mexico, said: “Ray will generate critical resources for our school children while protecting our prized state trust lands and providing access to lands that rural New Mexico communities have relied upon for generations.”

“Ray Powell stands out among the candidates as the person with the most balanced view of the responsibilities and environmental priorities of the office,” said the Sierra Club’s Rio Grande Chapter Political Chairwoman Susan Martin. “Along with our endorsement comes the active support of our members in political campaigns for environmentally sympathetic and active candidates.”

Ray Powell currently works as regional director for the Jane Goodall Institute for Wildlife Research Education and Conservation.

Ray Powell is running in the Democratic Primary against PRC Chairman Sandy Jones, and Santa Fe County Commissioner Harry Montoya.  To date, Ray has also been endorsed by AFSCME, IATSE Local 423, Operating Engineers, Animal Protection Voters, and the Teamsters.