New Mexico Sun

The New Mexico Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of the Energy Transition Act (ETA), rejecting challenges from New Energy Economy. The court's decision also supports the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission's (PRC) approval related to the San Juan Generating Station, a coal-fired power plant. This ruling concludes months of delays in distributing transition funds to communities and issuing bonds aimed at reducing customer costs.

The court found that the state legislature acted within its authority when it enacted the ETA, dismissing all remaining constitutional challenges. It also rejected objections to the PRC's decision on financing orders for transition costs associated with PNM's withdrawal from the San Juan Generating Station.

Mike Eisenfeld from the San Juan Citizens Alliance expressed relief, stating, "This decision is welcome news. It clears away the obstacles that were keeping support from flowing to communities like Farmington."

Joseph Hernandez of NAVA Education Project highlighted the impact on Navajo workers and communities: "Now that this legal barrier has been lifted, impacted communities will soon have access to the $40 million in Section 16 funding."

Carol Davis of Diné C.A.R.E. remarked on the significance for community health and economic opportunities: "We want healthy communities and economic opportunities that are not fossil fuels based."

Camilla Feibelman from Sierra Club noted that the ETA has led to significant investments in solar energy and battery storage, adding, "Today’s Supreme Court ruling affirms the law and allows us to finally move forward on a just climate transition in New Mexico."

Steve Michel of Western Resource Advocates emphasized that important funding for worker training and community assistance can now proceed: "WRA is pleased the court has finally put to rest, and rejected, the bogus claims New Energy Economy made about the ETA."

Terry A. Sloan from Southwest Native Cultures called it a victory for environmental justice: "Let the Energy Transition begin!"

Noah Long from NRDC encouraged further legislative action: "Our state leaders should go even further by speeding up our transition to clean energy."

Demis Foster of Conservation Voters New Mexico noted that moving forward with clean energy projects is now possible: "Now we can move ahead with building a zero emission economy for New Mexicans."

Kyle Tisdel from Western Environmental Law Center described it as an important milestone toward a clean energy future: "It allows critical transition funding to start flowing into communities."

Sr. Joan Brown of New Mexico Interfaith Power and Light expressed gratitude for continued empowerment toward clean energy: "We need to continue to address climate change as we care for our communities."