The Senate Conservation Committee in New Mexico has approved the Community Benefit Fund, comprising Senate Bills 48 and 49, with a vote of 5-3. The fund aims to invest $340 million in communities heavily affected by climate change, focusing on workforce development, renewable energy projects, and infrastructure improvements.
Senate President Pro Tempore Mimi Stewart introduced these bills as part of a broader legislative package addressing climate change. Other bills in this suite include the Clear Horizons Act and the Innovation in Government Act. Stewart stated, "New Mexicans want to keep our state beautiful, protect our cherished ways of life, and create new opportunities statewide for our families now and in the future."
A coalition named Clear Horizons New Mexico supports these initiatives. This group consists of 31 organizations advocating for environmental and social justice. Ona Porter from Prosperity Works commented on the urgency of addressing climate change impacts: “We are already paying for the impacts of climate change.”
Michael Leon Guerrero from the Center for Civic Policy emphasized the economic benefits: “With a regulatory framework and critical investments in long-term resiliency, we can create more good jobs.” Similarly, Jordan Haedtler from Climate Cabinet highlighted state-level action amid federal challenges: “The Community Benefit Fund and Clear Horizons Act ensure that New Mexico will invest in its transition to a clean energy economy.”
Several other advocates echoed support for these bills, emphasizing their potential to address environmental justice issues while fostering economic growth. Demis Foster from Conservation Voters New Mexico noted that these measures are timely given current federal policy shifts: “The suite of bills sponsored by Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart have come at a critical moment.”
Andrew Forkes-Gudmundson from Earthworks remarked on emission reduction goals: “This suite of bills will help New Mexico actually meet its emission reduction goals.” Michael Bueno from EDF Action praised Stewart's leadership: “Together, the Community Benefit Fund and Clear Horizons Act will protect communities from the worst impacts of climate change.”
These efforts are also seen as crucial for Indigenous communities historically excluded from sustainable investments. Mayane Barudin from Sovereign Energy pointed out that Senate Bills 48 and 49 represent significant progress toward reversing this trend.
In summary, supporters argue that these legislative efforts not only aim to mitigate climate impacts but also promote economic resilience across New Mexico.
