Greg Seeley House District 27 | Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter
The New Mexico Legislative Finance Committee (LFC) has released its budget proposal for the 2022 legislative session, sparking concern among environmental leaders. The $8.46 billion plan is criticized for insufficiently addressing climate change and underfunding crucial environmental programs. The proposal also includes investments in fossil fuel projects and significant cuts to budgets for environmental regulators.
Environmental advocates argue that the budget does not support a transition to clean energy or help working families reduce energy costs through home weatherization. Ben Shelton, Political and Policy Director of Conservation Voters New Mexico (CVNM), expressed disappointment, stating: "Last year the Governor announced at Speaker Egolf’s Climate Summit that 2022 was the year to begin the next phase of climate action, and the 2022 executive budget request reflects the beginning of that commitment. The LFC budget recommendation that we saw yesterday strips far too much of it out."
Joe Zupan, Executive Director of Amigos Bravos, highlighted discrepancies between the Governor's proposed budget and the LFC's version, urging lawmakers to reconsider funding conservation priorities related to climate change and watershed protection.
Kurt Gutjahr, Executive Director of CAVU, called for increased funding for state agencies to protect natural resources and create sustainable jobs. He remarked: "Now is the time to open new doors to an economy where all communities thrive and New Mexico’s air, land, water, and wildlife are protected."
Camilla Feibelman from Sierra Club – Rio Grande Chapter criticized the lack of investment in environmental protection efforts within LFC's economic diversification plan. She emphasized: "The solutions to the climate crisis rely on economic investment and innovation. But, the legislative budget fails our environment and our communities."
Environmental leaders continue to advocate for adjustments in the proposed budget to better reflect New Mexicans' interests in addressing climate challenges.
