On December 10, 2024, Dr. Noah Kaufman, co-chair of the Resilient Energy Economies Initiative, delivered a lecture hosted by the University of New Mexico's Just Transition Grand Challenge. The initiative supports research projects aimed at aiding communities reliant on fossil fuels as they transition economically.

Dr. Kaufman discussed how the initiative funds interdisciplinary teams researching place-based policies to support these communities. He noted that each locality has unique needs and that adopting specific transformative policies is ideal. The transition to low-carbon energy in the United States poses long-term challenges for local economies, including impacts on school funding due to ties with fossil fuel revenues.

Research funded by the initiative focuses on identifying at-risk but currently prosperous communities, encouraging them to diversify and implement large-scale changes. Evaluated data includes effects on workers, public opinion, business behavior, and public finances during a shift to sustainable economies.

Kaufman also highlighted examples of place-based policies abroad in Germany and Spain and domestically within the Appalachian Regional Council. While federal support for green energy transitions is at an unprecedented level, challenges remain with existing measures not being large-scale enough or focusing primarily on coal without addressing economic diversification.

The UNM Just Transition to Green Energy Grand Challenge receives funding from UNM’s Office of Vice President for Research as a “Level 2” Grand Challenge. This project aims to identify opportunities and challenges for an inclusive transition while creating economic opportunities for disadvantaged communities such as Hispanic, Native American, Black communities, and fossil fuel worker communities.