IPL Joins Advocates in Call to Legislature for Climate Action

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On Tuesday, January  28, advocates with Food & Water Watch gathered at the Roundhouse to urge the legislature to stop the entrenchment of factory farms in New Mexico, as these facilities contribute greatly to climate change, use up scarce water supplies, cause water and air pollution, harm the welfare of animals, exploit workers, and push family farms out of business.

In particular, advocates encouraged elected officials to support SB 99, also known as the Methane Emissions Reduction Act (MERA), which aims to fix a loophole in the recently passed Clean Transportation Fuel Standard. Closing this loophole would help prevent factory farms from being lavishly incentivized to profit from their pollution.

New Mexico & El Paso Interfaith Power and Light, came out in support of this action.

 “In New Mexico, we cherish the abundance of beauty and provision that the land offers to us and we celebrate the unique lifeways of tending the land reflected in every corner of our state. Climate change threatens these lifeways through unpredictable and extreme weather, and, of course, the far-reaching drought conditions that are already here. As people of faith and conscience we want the Clean Transportation Fuel Standards to be implemented with integrity to climate goals and that is why we support the Methane Emissions Reduction Act. If factory farms are incentivized to profit from pollution that adds more heat-trapping gases to the atmosphere, the Clean Fuel Transportation Standard will fall far short of the climate goals for which it was originally passed. It is impossible to name the depth of beauty, dignity, and diversity we are called to celebrate in our state. Let’s pass the Methane Emissions Reduction Act for the flourishing future we have in equal measures the right and the responsibility to protect.”  – Rev. Clara Sims, Assistant Executive Director of NM & EP IPL

In addition to gathering in Santa Fe to urge elected officials to support the bill, throughout the past week New Mexicans from across the state came together to urge elected officials to act through a series of events like a film screening and art build.  Read More

 

Three Important Climate Bills in the New Mexico Legislature

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By Rev. Clara Sims, Assistant Executive Director, IPL New Mexico & El Paso

From the blazing heat of our own New Mexico summer to the winter wildfires burning in California, the earth is speaking with resounding clarity of our need to stop burning fossil fuels.

In that spirit, here are the three major climate bills of this session….

Senator Pro Tem, Mimi Stewart, has introduced three ambitious climate bills that work in tandem to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, equip communities for fossil-fuel free economic innovation and development, and fund state agencies so they can better manage their roles of support and enforcement.

Clear Horizons (SB 4)

Seeks to codify into law the Governor’s 2019 executive order of climate emission reductions targets (an order alligned with the Paris Climate Accords).

This would mean bringing business, transportation and the energy sector into alignment with those targets. The Environmental Improvement Board (EIB) would have responsibility for rule-making and oversight.

Community Benefits Fund (SB 48)

This is a pot of money ($340 million) designated to help communities transition economically to cleaner sources of energy and industry, including helping fund projects that do things like create bike and pedestrian lanes, implement grid modernization, fund electric school buses, and help foster workforce development.  Below is a break down of funding:

  • $40M to EDD (Economic Development Department)
  • $20M to Community Energy Efficiency Development (CEED) Block Grant Fund
  • $100M to Grid Modernization grant fund
  • $50M to Transportation Project fund
  • $ 5M to State Supplemental Land and Water Conservation fund (outdoor recreation act)
  • $40M to EMNRD (Energy, Minerals, Natural Resources Department)
  • $25M to Workforce Solutions
  • $60M to the Public Schools Facilities Authority

Innovation in State Government Fund (SB 83)

The goal is to better equip our state government and agencies to handle big projects and work with new, upgraded technology. Part of the goal is to help agencies think “outside the box” of their current budgets about ways to help support emissions reductions.

For more information about all three of these bills, you can visit a wesbite created by various climate and frontline community partners. The website can be found HERE.

What can you do to support this legislation?

  1. Get in contact with your local congressional represenatives
  2. Write an LTE about the moral imperative for climate legislation
  3. Show up for public comment at key hearings

To contact your local congressional represenative, you can find their information at “find my legislator.”

If you want to write a Letter to the Editor (LTE) or ammend one that is drafted for you, please be in touch with Clara Sims (clara@nm-ipl.org).

To be kept in the loop about key hearings for public comment, sign up to be on our advocacy list. To be added, please contact our advocacy chair Ruth Striegel (ruthstriegel@gmail.com) and/or our assistant director Clara Sims (clara@nm-ipl.org).

Clear Horizons (SB 4) is being heard in the Senate Conservation Committee tomorrow morning, Tuesday the 28th at 9:00 am. There were only a very limited number of slots for public speakers this time around, but we will need all the community support possible going forward to push this over the finish line in other committies, so please stay tuned. If you want to listen in to the hearing, here is the zoom link. Prayers for a good outcome at tomorrow’s hearing matter and are most welcome!

 

Senate Conservation Committee to Hear Key Initiative on Tuesday, Jan 28

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New Mexico Legislature Faces Urgent Calls to Further Address Climate Change in 2025 Session

Pro Tem Mimi Stewart’s Suite of Bills Seek to Address Extreme Weather Now and For Future Generations

[Santa Fe, NM] – Today, a coalition of environmental, social justice, and conservation advocates from 25 organizations across New Mexico expressed their strong support for Senate Pro Tem Mimi Stewart’s suite of bills that will take action on climate change: the Clear Horizons Act, the Community Benefits Fund, and the Innovation in Government Act. The Clear Horizons Act will be heard in the Senate Conservation Committee on Tuesday, January 28.

“The Clear Horizons Act, Community Benefit Fund, and Innovation in Government Act reflect the bold and moral leadership New Mexico needs. We all have a sacred responsibility to protect this place and the promise it holds for all generations to come. Let us lean into this moment and lead from a place of courage and hope with legislation for a livable, healthy, just, and flourishing future for all our many diverse communities – a future we have, in equal measures, the right and the responsibility to protect.”  –Rev. Clara Sims, Assistant Executive Director of New Mexico & El Paso Interfaith Power and Light. 

The 2024 Conservation in the West poll found that 59% of New Mexicans consider climate change a very or extremely serious issue. This is unsurprising given the various ways climate change impacts New Mexicans, including more severe wildfires and floods, extended droughts that limit water supplies, and more extreme weather events and heat. In fact, 183 out of 221 – 83% – of Governor Lujan Grisham’s 2024 executive orders were related to emergency funding to address the impacts of climate change. In addition, Governor Lujan Grisham called on the legislature to codify in state law the goal of net zero emissions by 2050 this session in her State of the State speech on the opening day of the legislature.

“Right now, we’re helping to lead a national energy transition. We’re cleaning up our communities, reducing our carbon footprint, and making good on our commitment to reduce emissions. In fact, let’s make this the session in which the goal of net zero emissions by 2050 becomes the law of the land,” Governor Lujan Grisham said.

The Clear Horizons Act, Senate Bill 4, would create a regulatory framework that aligns state and industry pollution goals, paving the way for New Mexico to build a more innovative and sustainable economy. Greenhouse gas emission reduction targets exist in Governor Lujan Grisham’s executive order 2019-003 and will serve New Mexico in the long-term when codified in law.

The Community Benefits Fund, Senate Bills 48 and 49, would invest $340 million in communities that have been disproportionately impacted by climate change, providing resources for renewable energy projects, energy efficiency upgrades, and other projects that reduce carbon pollution.

The Innovation in Government Fund, Senate Bill 83, would provide $10 million in funding to state agencies to support efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

“Pro Tem Stewart’s bills are bold and necessary steps forward in addressing the climate crisis and the direct impacts, such as more severe wildfires, extreme heat and drought, that communities are already experiencing,” says Ona Porter, MA, Founder Emerita and Clean Energy Leader, Prosperity Works. “We are already paying for the impacts of climate change. These bills ensure that we address the root causes of climate change while simultaneously investing in a cleaner, healthier future for all New Mexicans.”

“New Mexicans want to keep our state beautiful, protect our cherished ways of life, and create new opportunities statewide for our families now and in the future. The Clear Horizons Act, Community Benefit Fund, and Innovation in Government Act will help our environment, our economy, and our communities for generations to come, and I urge my fellow legislators to join me in supporting these bills.” says Senate Pro-Tem Mimi Stewart.

The coalition of advocates from 25 organizations supporting Pro Tem Stewart’s bills include: 350 New Mexico, Center for Civic Policy, Coalition for Clean Affordable Energy, Coalition of Sustainable Communities New Mexico, Conservation Voters New Mexico, E2 – Environmental Entrepreneurs, Earthworks, Environmental Defense Fund, GreenLatinos, GRID Alternatives, Healthy Climate New Mexico, Moms Clean Air Force New Mexico chapter, Natural Resources Defense Council, New Mexico & El Paso Interfaith Power and Light, NM Native Vote, NMVC Action Fund, ProgressNow New Mexico, Prosperity Works, Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter, Sovereign Energy, SWEEP (Southwest Energy Efficiency Project), the Semilla Project, Western Environmental Law Center, Western Leaders Network, and Western Resource Advocates.

Learn more about why advocates are supporting these critical bills below:

“The New Mexico oil and gas industry routinely touts their achievements in reducing emissions, producing ever cleaner barrels of oil and being environmentally responsible. The Clear Horizons Act provides NM oil and gas producers with a perfect opportunity to codify the efforts they highlight with enforceable standards for ever cleaner and more responsible production. 350 New Mexico looks forward to the enthusiastic support of the oil and gas industry and their legislative allies for this important legislation,” says Tom Solomon, co-coordinator, 350 New Mexico.

“Our families and communities deserve to be treated with respect and care, especially by companies and industries that can afford to do more to reduce pollution and create a healthier environment. With a regulatory framework and critical investments in long-term resiliency, we can create more good jobs and training programs for a diversified economy,” says Michael Leon Guerrero, Sustainable Economy Policy Advisor for the Center for Civic Policy. “We are proud to support the Clear Horizons Act, Community Benefits Fund, and Innovation in Government Act because we know that together, these bills will bring new economic opportunities, investments, and help meet urgent climate goals for the future of New Mexico.”

”We want to thank Senate Pro Tem Stewart for bringing these bills forward,” says Charles de Saillan, attorney representing Coalition for Clean Affordable Energy. “The Clear Horizons Act will codify the greenhouse gas reduction targets of the Governor’s executive order and the Paris Climate Accords. More importantly, the bill will require State regulators to adopt enforceable rules to require reductions in greenhouse gas emissions in New Mexico to help meet those targets. You could say that the reduction targets are the soul of the bill, while the rulemaking requirements are its heart. This legislation is essential if we are to avoid the worst consequences of the climate crisis.”

“The suite of bills sponsored by Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart have come at a critical moment, when federal policies and programs dealing with climate change are being shredded and states must step up”, says Demis Foster, CEO for Conservation Voters New Mexico. “The Clear Horizons Act, the Community Benefit Fund and the Innovation in Government Act are a comprehensive response to climate change and the extreme events it helps create and amplify in New Mexico: fires, floods and long-term drought. The bills will make necessary investments in the energy transition and protect communities and New Mexico’s air, land, water, and wildlife.”

“At this crucial juncture, it is more important than ever to take meaningful action to reduce emissions and fight climate change,” says Andrew Forkes-Gudmundson of Earthworks. “This suite of bills will help New Mexico actually meet its emission reduction goals and hit its climate targets. Passing these bills is a necessary step towards our energy transition and to preserve New Mexico’s clean air and healthy environment.”

“The Clear Horizons Act provides the critical framework, tools and resources New Mexico needs to hold polluters accountable and protect communities from the worst impacts of climate change.” says Michael Bueno, Senior Manager, State Climate Policy and Strategy at EDF Action. “New Mexicans are looking to state leaders to drive local solutions that put community needs first, protect precious water resources, and deliver clean air and good-paying jobs they and their kids can rely on. Passing the Clear Horizons Act is a foundational next step in the state’s climate leadership that will promote a thriving, transformative economy that protects New Mexicans for generations to come. We thank Senate Pro Tem Stewart for her leadership.”

“New Mexico has been considered a ‘sacrifice zone’ in order to benefit extractive industries. Our people are deserving of protection from the damage to our beautiful environment that these industries bring in order to create more shareholder value and profit for the wealthy. We are grateful to Senate Pro Tem Stewart for supporting the right to clean air, pure water, and healthy soil for our families, our neighbors, and our future generations. The Clear Horizons Act, Community Benefits Fund, and The Innovations in Government Act will all move us towards a better life for ourselves and our descendants,” says Carlos Matutes, New Mexico Community Advocate with GreenLatinos.

“As health professionals, we know firsthand how extreme weather and climate change events are harming our patients and communities. No community is immune. These bold proposals will help protect the well-being of all New Mexicans, especially our most vulnerable populations. Grateful to all who are working to reduce climate pollution and invest in solutions to save lives now and for the future,” says Shelley Mann-Lev, MPH, Executive Director of Healthy Climate New Mexico.

“As moms, we know that clean air is essential for the health and future of our kids. The Clear Horizons Act provides New Mexico with the tools to reduce harmful pollution, address the climate crisis, and build a sustainable future”, says Giovanna Rossi with Moms Clean Air Force, New Mexico chapter. “We thank Senate Pro Tem Stewart for her leadership in protecting our kids and communities from the devastating impacts of climate change.”

“The Clear Horizons Act, Community Benefit Fund, and Innovation in Government Act reflect the bold and moral leadership New Mexico needs,” says Rev. Clara Sims, Assistant Executive Director of New Mexico & El Paso Interfaith Power and Light. “We all have a sacred responsibility to protect this place and the promise it holds for all generations to come. Let us lean into this moment and lead from a place of courage and hope with legislation for a livable, healthy, just, and flourishing future for all our many diverse communities – a future we have, in equal measures, the right and the responsibility to protect.”

“Our indigenous communities are experiencing the most drastic effects of climate change. Our lands are hotter than ever. The continual drought impacts our farmers while extractive developments built near us put our community health at risk. It’s time to pass legislation to require industry to take the next steps to reduce their climate pollution so this and next generations have a chance to thrive,” says Ahtza Dawn Chavez, Executive Director of NM Native Vote.

“The Clear Horizons Act, Community Benefit Fund, and Innovation in Government Act clear the path forward for thriving communities, a robust economy, and sustainable growth in New Mexico,” says Alexis Mena, New Mexico Policy Director at NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council). “Now it’s up to the legislature to pass this critical suite and safeguard the future of our state for generations to come.”

“When we talk about ‘energy’ in New Mexico it’s so much more than just an industry or tangible resources. It’s also the feeling about what New Mexico is and who our people are. The Clear Horizons Act and supporting bills create a level playing field for industry while ensuring that we’re protecting the things that give NM its energy,” says Lucas Herndon, Energy Policy Director at ProgressNow New Mexico.’

“While we most often think of extreme climate events as fires and floods, think now about those suffering with huge energy bills that they are unlikely to be able to pay as we endure the deepest and longest extreme cold that we have seen in decades,” says Ona Porter, Founder Emerita and Clean Energy Leader at Prosperity Works. “With the Community Benefits Fund we will be able to more fully fund the Community Energy Efficiency Block Grant (CEED) that provides deep energy efficiency retrofits in the homes of our most vulnerable residents’ homes. Thank you, Senator Stewart!”

“At The Semilla Project, we firmly believe that the suite of bills introduced by Senate Pro Tem Mimi Stewart are a pivotal step towards our shared goals for a sustainable future,” says Jared Berenice Estrada, Advocacy and Programs Director for The Semilla Project. These bills resonate with our commitment at The Semilla Project to engage and prepare young people for leadership in a green economy. We stand with this effort to transform our state into a leader in climate action, ensuring our youth inherit a healthier, more resilient New Mexico.”

“New Mexico has the workforce, the innovation and the leadership to protect our people from the devastating impacts of fires, floods, drought and extreme heat. With the federal attempts to roll back the urgent work we need to do to slow down the outsized impacts of global warming on New Mexico, our state is going to have to do more than ever,” says Camilla Feibelman, Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter Director.

“These bills exemplify Pro Tem Stewart’s bold leadership on climate and clean energy policy,” says Alex Eubanks, New Mexico Representative for SWEEP. “By prioritizing clean energy, innovation, and community benefits, these measures will help reduce emissions, enhance energy efficiency, and strengthen New Mexico’s economy. We encourage the Legislature to pass them and solidify New Mexico’s role as a climate leader.”

“We applaud Senate Pro Tem Stewart and her team for crafting such a thoughtful approach to climate and just transition action in New Mexico,” says Erik Schlenker-Goodrich, Executive Director at the Western Environmental Law Center. “These bills position New Mexico to open new doors to a thriving, resilient future where our state is a leader in the fight against the climate crisis, better protects its rich natural heritage, and actively builds a strong, diversified economy powered by renewable energy.”

“As elected officials and their communities contend with the impacts of climate change, the Clear Horizons Act, Community Benefit Fund and Innovation in Government Act meet the moment by promising a more resilient climate future for all New Mexicans,” says Jessica Pace, Interim Executive Director at Western Leaders Network. “These bills would put New Mexico on track to reach state climate goals, hold polluters accountable, invest in the clean energy transition and protect our air, waters and lands. We commend Senate Pro Tem Stewart for her commitment to climate action by sponsoring these critical bills and urge the legislature to support them.”

“Now more than ever, it’s critical that states take the initiative and craft strong policies to address climate change,” says Cydney Beadles, senior attorney and New Mexico Clean Energy Manager at Western Resource Advocates (WRA). “With these bills, our state leaders are sending a powerful message that the right of all New Mexicans to clean air and healthy communities is a priority worth fighting for. This is the kind of action that will advance the clean energy transition in New Mexico.”