The New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) has initiated the first phase of a project to develop the state's Comprehensive Energy Transition Strategy (CETS). This phase is led by the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology and was announced at a workshop attended by experts from various sectors.
Travis Kellerman, senior climate policy advisor to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, said, "The CETS will address the ongoing need to provide all New Mexicans with affordable energy in the near, mid- and long-term." The project aims to position New Mexico as a leader in energy transition.
Phase I involves consolidating existing policies and identifying successful legislative acts from the past seven years. It will also assess gaps in current policies concerning energy security, jobs, tribal issues, clean energy, and affordability. Key opportunities include mapping subsurface resources like geothermal energy and evaluating innovative technologies essential for energy transition.
Melanie Kenderdine, EMNRD Secretary, emphasized that "the Comprehensive Energy Transition Strategy will provide a cross-cutting, analytically based roadmap for meeting the state’s energy needs."
More than 50 participants attended the workshop announcing Phase I's award winner. Among them were Dr. Mahyar Amouzegar of New Mexico Tech and Ernest Moniz, former US Secretary of Energy. Moniz praised New Mexico's approach: "I applaud New Mexico and Governor Lujan Grisham for adapting the QER’s integrated analytical approach to the state’s energy future."
James Mountain from All Pueblo Council of Governors highlighted tribal inclusion: "The state's Comprehensive Energy Transition Strategy work is designed to include everyone in the process."
Various stakeholders expressed support for CETS. Sanders Moore noted New Mexico's resource abundance while Lynn Mostoller looked forward to collaboration on transmission needs. Jim DesJardins emphasized a just transition to clean energy.
Brian Condit warned about urgency: "Unless and until we recognize the urgency of the critical energy challenges we face, we fall behind on delivering New Mexico’s clean energy goals."
Other industry leaders such as Rikki Seguin from Interwest Energy Alliance and Laura Phelps from Freeport McMoran expressed their commitment to supporting this initiative.
Missi Currier from NMOGA stressed a balanced approach including traditional oil and gas alongside renewables. Jennifer Dunn from Urenco USA welcomed CETS's role in supporting nuclear reactor fuel needs.
The EMNRD provides resource protection and development services across New Mexico.
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