Rev. Clara Sims: Uncertain Future for Solar Funds in New Mexico

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Perhaps one of the biggest threats to clean energy and energy-efficiency programs in New Mexico is Trump’s pledge in recent months to rescind “all unspent funds” from the federal Inflation Reduction Act.

Rev, Clara Sims (left) and Rev. Kristi Koppel (St. Paul Lutheran Church)

Rev. Clara Sims, assistant executive director for Interfaith Power & Light New Mexico-El Paso, told the Santa Fe New Mexican (@thenewmexican.bsky.social) about our concern for the future of federal funding to promote solar power for faith communities in our state. “That’s certainly a concern for us in terms of looking ahead to the potential of really rolling back the money that’s available,” said Rev. Sims. 

Rev. Sims said IPL-New Mexico-El Paso has worked for decades to help faith communities in New Mexico and El Paso complete energy-efficiency audits and install solar panels but the “direct pay” provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act have prompted a rapid rise in faith communities going green.

The direct pay, or elective pay, program allows tax-exempt nonprofits and government entities to receive a payment for up to 30% of their solar installation costs the year after installation. Sims said her organization has worked with five faith groups that are in the process of using the tax credit.

“My sense is that the faith communities who maybe don’t have the same kind of budget capacity that others did in the past have been able to really push that forward in their congregations or houses of worship in the past several years,” Sims told The New Mexican.

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Pilgrims Protest Approval of Los Alamos Lab Transmission Line

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Earthkeepers 360 held a  Caja del Rio Peace and Prayer Pilgrimage in Santa Fe on Friday, October 25. Participants traveled from the Santa Fe county Administration Building to the National Nuclear Security Administration Office to protest the recent approval of the Los Alamos National Lab’s transmission line.

The participants hand delivered the Caja Del Rio Coalition’s formal objection Letter and held a press conference featuring the voices of Pueblo and Hispanic leaders, local elected officials, Spiritual leaders, conservationists and other community advocates speaking up to Permanently protect the caja.

Here are some photographs, courtesy of Rev. Andrew Black

 

 

Photos and Videos from Our Fall Gathering 2024

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The theme of our annual fall gathering was Perservering in Beauty and Joy!  The event was held on Wednesday, October 16, at First Unitarian Church in Albuquerque.  Here are a couple of videos, followed by several photographs.

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Seed and Sprout Awards

The Seed Awards were presented to the M.T.O. Shamagh School of Islamic Sufism, Community of Joy Lutheran Church, First Congregational United Church of Christ and Upaya Zen Center.

The Sprout Award was presented to Dr. Ladona D. Clayton, E.D., Oglalla Land and Water Conservancy

Music, Song and Table Displays

Our evening included a time of prayer and centering with original musical offerings from cellist, Keely Mackey as well as artist, Elizabeth Margit-Anne.

 

Talent Show

 

 

 

 

A Special Honor for Sister Joan Brown

The board of directors of IPL New Mexico & El Paso presented Sister Joan Brown with a special recognition for her many years as executive director of the organizations. Sr. Joan is phasing out of the position to focus more on our work in the Permian Basin of New Mexico.