The Public Regulation Commission (PRC) hearing examiners have presented several options for replacing the retiring San Juan Generating Station. Among these is a proposal featuring 100% renewable energy and battery storage.

The Coalition for Clean and Affordable Energy (CCAE) has suggested a portfolio that situates all renewable energy and battery storage within the same school district as the San Juan plant. This proposal also includes two significant solar and battery projects in McKinley and Rio Arriba counties. Additionally, the hearing examiners have put forward an alternative that reduces gas usage by 80 MW compared to PNM’s preferred option.

O’Donnell from Dine Care emphasized, "Instead of investing millions of dollars attempting to resuscitate the region’s coal industry, Northwest New Mexico should aggressively pursue an economic-development strategy that leverages local assets and prioritizes quality of life, with a focus on three key areas: tourism and recreation, solar power generation and storage, and mine reclamation/plant decommissioning."

For further information, contact Camilla Feibelman at camilla.feibelman@sierraclub.org or 505.715.8388.