A coalition of environmental, social justice, and conservation advocates from 25 organizations across New Mexico has shown strong support for a series of bills proposed by Senate Pro Tem Mimi Stewart. These legislative proposals aim to tackle climate change and include the Clear Horizons Act, the Community Benefits Fund, and the Innovation in Government Act. The Clear Horizons Act is scheduled for discussion in the Senate Conservation Committee on January 28.
Rev. Clara Sims from New Mexico & El Paso Interfaith Power and Light emphasized the importance of these bills: "The Clear Horizons Act, Community Benefit Fund, and Innovation in Government Act reflect the bold and moral leadership New Mexico needs."
The urgency of addressing climate change is underscored by a recent poll showing that 59% of New Mexicans consider it a very or extremely serious issue. Governor Lujan Grisham has also urged the legislature to establish net zero emissions by 2050 as state law during her State of the State speech.
Governor Lujan Grisham stated, “Right now, we’re helping to lead a national energy transition. We’re cleaning up our communities, reducing our carbon footprint, and making good on our commitment to reduce emissions.”
Senate Bill 4, known as the Clear Horizons Act, aims to create a regulatory framework aligning state pollution goals with industry standards. This legislation builds upon existing greenhouse gas emission reduction targets set forth in Governor Lujan Grisham’s executive order 2019-003.
Senate Bills 48 and 49 propose establishing a $340 million Community Benefits Fund to support communities disproportionately affected by climate change through renewable energy projects and energy efficiency upgrades.
Senate Bill 83 would allocate $10 million to state agencies for efforts aimed at reducing carbon emissions.
Ona Porter from Prosperity Works expressed support: “Pro Tem Stewart’s bills are bold and necessary steps forward in addressing the climate crisis...These bills ensure that we address the root causes of climate change while simultaneously investing in a cleaner, healthier future for all New Mexicans.”
Various organizations have joined forces behind these initiatives including Conservation Voters New Mexico and Western Environmental Law Center among others.
Demis Foster from Conservation Voters New Mexico remarked on federal policy changes: “The suite of bills sponsored by Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart have come at a critical moment when federal policies dealing with climate change are being shredded."
Supporters argue that these legislative measures will foster economic opportunities while meeting urgent climate goals. Alexis Mena from NRDC highlighted their potential impact: “The Clear Horizons Act...clear[s] the path forward for thriving communities...Now it’s up to the legislature to pass this critical suite.”
In conclusion, this suite of bills seeks comprehensive action against climate change impacts such as wildfires or floods while promoting sustainable growth within New Mexico's economy through investment into clean energy solutions supported broadly across diverse advocacy groups statewide.
