New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard has signed an agreement with Pluma Solar Alamogordo, LLC for a new community solar project on state lands in Otero County. This marks the tenth lease for a community solar project on state lands from the initial batch of 45 projects approved by the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission in 2023. The project is expected to generate at least $2 million for Eastern New Mexico University and will produce 5 megawatts of solar power, sufficient to serve approximately 1,250 to 1,500 homes in New Mexico.
“Community solar is all about bringing clean, affordable energy directly to the homes of New Mexicans. This is an example of the positive impact state lands can have on the everyday lives of real people,” said Commissioner Garcia Richard. “In many cases, community solar makes it possible to access renewable energy for those who may not be able to afford rooftop solar installations or be able to access renewables in other ways."
The first-ever community solar project on state trust lands was approved by Commissioner Garcia Richard in September 2024 on 80 acres in Valencia County. Since then, nine additional leases have been issued, including this latest one. These projects aim to expand access to renewable energy following the Community Solar Act passed in 2021.
Commissioner Garcia Richard established the Office of Renewable Energy within the Commercial Resources Division at the State Land Office with a goal of tripling renewable energy leasing and production on state trust lands. Renewable energy under lease has increased more than seven-fold since its inception.
Commissioner Garcia Richard has overseen significant growth at the New Mexico State Land Office since assuming office in 2019. The agency has earned over $11 billion for public institutions across New Mexico through various uses of over 13 million acres of state trust land.
