Clear Horizons New Mexico, a statewide coalition of environmental, social justice, and conservation advocates from 33 organizations and businesses across New Mexico, applauds the Senate Finance Committee for passing the Community Benefit Fund, made up of Senate Bills 48 and 49. Senate Bill 48 passed the Senate Finance Committee on 7-4 do-pass vote, while its companion bill Senate Bill 49 that houses the funding remains in the committee, waiting to be absorbed into the state budget bill, House Bill 2.  The vote was taken late Wednesday, February 19.

The Community Benefit Fund, Senate Bills 48 and 49, would invest $340 million in communities that have been disproportionately impacted by climate change, providing resources for workforce development and retraining, renewable energy and infrastructure projects, energy efficiency upgrades, and other projects that reduce carbon pollution all while building a sustainable economy.

The Clear Horizons New Mexico Coalition is a partnership of New Mexicans across the state from 33 climate, equity, social justice, and conservation organizations and businesses that are raising their voice in unison for climate action in the Land of Enchantment. At Clear Horizons, we celebrate our promise and commitment to keeping New Mexico beautiful and prosperous for everyone, now and in the future.  New Mexico & El Paso Interfaith Power & Light is one of 33 organizations comprising the Clear Horizons coalition. Other partners are  350 New Mexico, American Lung Association in New Mexico, Center for Civic Policy, Coalition for Clean Affordable Energy, Coalition of Sustainable Communities New Mexico, Conservation Voters New Mexico, Creciendo Nuevo Mexico, E2 – Environmental Entrepreneurs, Earthworks, Environmental Defense Fund, GreenLatinos, GRID Alternatives, Healthy Climate New Mexico, Moms Clean Air Force New Mexico chapter, NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council),, NM CAFe, NM Climate Investment Center, NM Native Vote, NMVC Action Fund, Positive Energy Solar, ProgressNow New Mexico, Prosperity Works, Renewable Energy Industries Association of NM, San Juan Citizens Alliance, 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.