NMIPL IN THE NEWS

IPL New Mexico Joins More than 100 Advocates Calling for Support of Clean Truck Policies

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IPL New Mexico & El Paso is among a  diverse set of more than 100 environmental, health, and public interest groups who sent an open letter calling on governors across the U.S. to maintain support for clean trucks policies, amidst backlash from some corners of the trucking industry. The Advanced Clean Truck (ACT) standards are poised to create billions of dollars in economic, environmental, and public health benefits in the 11 states that have adopted the program.

 Implementation of ACT in New Mexico and Colorado is estimated to create more than $23.9 billion combined in cumulative net societal benefits through 2050. There are already more than 6,800 zero-emission vehicles registered in these two neighboring states alone.

Many of the states that have adopted the ACT rule already have funding in place to incentivize the purchase of zero-emission vehicles. For example, New Jersey’s Clean Fleet EV Program provides grants to help public and nonprofit fleet operators deploy charging infrastructure for electric trucks and buses. Washington provides clean alternative fuel vehicle tax credits to help businesses deploy zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. The tax credit covers up to 75% or $100,000 of the cost of heavy-duty vehicles, and also funds vehicle leases.

“The United States shouldn’t be the last person in town selling horseshoes while the global market races towards electric vehicles,” said Guillermo Ortiz, Senior Clean Vehicles Advocate at the Natural Resources Defense Council. “The Advanced Clean Trucks standards are our roadmap to reclaim global leadership in clean transportation — not by clinging to legacy technologies but by outpacing the world in innovation. The states that have adopted ACT aren’t just setting targets; they’re forging a blueprint to save lives, create the industries of tomorrow, and prioritize communities long burdened by pollution. The future isn’t inherited; it’s built. Let’s make sure more states join this race — because the world isn’t waiting, and neither should we.”

 

IPL-NM-EP Speaks Out Against Congressional Effort to Repeal Methane Safeguard

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The House & Senate introduced companion Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolutions today that undermine a critical measure to #CutMethane waste and pollution from oil & gas operations. 

Their proposed resolutions target a rule implementing the Methane Emissions Reduction Program’s waste emissions charge which calls polluters to be responsible for excessive pollution. The methane polluter fee aims to cut excessive waste, secure American energy, create jobs and only applies to oil and gas companies that do not meet the industry’s own pollution reduction targets.

“People of faith in New Mexico believe that caring for communities, and our sacred water, air and land is an ethical and moral responsibility. For more than 10 years people of faith and conscience in New Mexico have worked for strong methane safeguards.

This is one simple and effective way to make sure that business is responsible. Sister Joan Brown, osf, Community Advocate, New Mexico and El Paso Interfaith Power and Light.

Lauri Costello: New Mexico Must Act On Climate

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Lauri Costello, a member of our New Mexico & El Paso Interfaith Power and Light community, recently wrote a great letter to the editor in the Las Cruces Bulletin, published on January 29.

Here is an excerpt:

In this winter season of diminished light, many of us are understandably feeling another type of darkness as a new administration takes over. If history and campaign rhetoric matter, we will likely see significant attempts to reverse climate progress. New Mexico has an unprecedented opportunity to provide bold and just leadership on climate. We must stand firm in our commitment to advocate for the environment that used to sustain us.

As a physician, I know that no lasting health for people or the planet will come without clean air, water, soil and intact ecosystems. It is time to commit to meaningful climate legislation, like the Clear Horizons Act, Community Benefits Fund and Innovation in State Agencies Act. Together, these aim to bring New Mexico into alignment with our climate goals while also supporting a healthy and just economic transition for our many, diverse communities.

Read the full letter in the Las Cruces Bulletin

 

Carlsbad Current Argus. Sep. 3, 2020 New Mexico finalizes oil and gas wastewater regulations, lawmakers hear testimony (Rev. Nick King Quoted)

Las Cruces Sun-News,  Aug. 19, 2020, Report on solving climate crisis brings hope (Co-authored by Michael Sells, Clara Sims and Edith Yanez)

Santa Fe New Mexican, Aug. 15, 2020 Vote your values this November  (Commentary by Larry Rasmussen and Tabitha Arnold)