Legislative Briefing (Jan. 25, 2022): Community Energy Efficiency Block Grant Act (HB37)

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Our legislative briefing on Jan. 25, 2022, included four important issues we’re following in the 2022 NM State Legislature.

In this video, Joan Brown, osf, on behalf of on behalf of Tammy Fiebelkorn of the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project, discussed the Community Energy Efficiency Development (CEED) Block Grant Act, HB37.

This measure is important to improve utility affordability, reduce energy burden, and increase utility access of low-income New Mexicans. On average those living below poverty line pay 15% of their income toward energy bills alone. Bill improves quality of life, health, climate, and futures.

Legislative Briefing (Jan. 25, 2022): The Clean Future Act (HB6)

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Our legislative briefing on Jan. 25, 2022, included four important issues we’re following in the 2022 NM State Legislature.

In this video, Camilla Feibelman, director of the Rio Grande Chapter of the Sierra Club, spoke about the Clean Energy Future Act proposed during the 2022 NM Legislature. The initiative proposes a comprehensive reduction of carbon emissions in New Mexico.

The Clean Future Act sets ambitious requirements of a 50% reduction of climate pollution in New Mexico by 2030 and at least 90% by 2050. Because New Mexico’s carbon emissions have increased since the 2005 baseline, this would represent a 64% reduction of current levels of climate pollution by 2030. To achieve this, New Mexico will have to begin a thoughtful transformation to clean energy and away from fossil fuels that includes everyone, especially disproportionately impacted communities.

Legislative Briefing (Jan. 25, 2022): The Green Amendment (HJR2 and SJR2)

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Our legislative briefing on Jan. 25, 2022, included four important issues we’re following in the 2022 NM State Legislature.

In this video, Maya K. von Rossum, founder of the Green Amendments for the Generations, spoke of HJR2 and SJR2, The Green Amendment.  The initiative proposes to amend the Constitution of New Mexico by adding a new section of Article 2 that provides the people of the state with environmental rights, including the right to a clean and healthy environment and the right to protection of the environment.

The proposal directs the state to serve as a trustee of natural resources of New Mexico for the benefit of all New Mexicans. It also repeals the current pollution control provisions of Article 20, Section 21. It would allow legal redress when this right is violated by government action or inaction. The amendment needs to pass the State Legislature before going to the voters for approval.