On Thursday evening in Albuquerque, Demis Foster, Chief Executive Officer of Conservation Voters of New Mexico (CVNM), spoke on behalf of Deb Haaland, who is running for governor. The event was organized by Healthy Climate New Mexico and focused on the climate and health priorities that candidates would address if elected.
Haaland’s background as a working mother, member of Laguna Pueblo, former Member of Congress, and Secretary of the Department of the Interior has informed her understanding of issues affecting New Mexicans. As Secretary, she managed nearly 70,000 staff members and an $18 billion annual budget. She also contributed to major clean energy investments at the national level.
“New Mexicans cannot wait for solutions and stronger resiliency practices – wildfires have destroyed homes and businesses, floods have taken roads and bridges, and extreme weather is increasing utility bills. The Trump administration is making it worse – including rising unemployment rates and high costs of services and stripping federal funding from programs that are proven to reduce costs and create jobs. As Governor, I’ll work toward bold, decisive, and strategic policies that will address each community’s unique needs, protect New Mexicans from extreme heat, update our infrastructure, promote healthy communities, and lower energy costs in the face of the new climate reality,” said Haaland.
The campaign presented several priorities aimed at addressing climate change in New Mexico. These include recruiting more clean energy projects to create union jobs while reducing energy expenses; leveraging state purchasing power to support clean energy; balancing ecosystem protection with expanding renewable projects; streamlining processes for clean energy transmission; engaging tribes and stakeholders before decision-making; prioritizing job training for workers affected by changes in the energy sector or natural disasters; moving industry closer to net-zero emissions by 2050; increasing funds to local initiatives like the Community Benefits Fund for climate mitigation resources; establishing an Extreme Weather Resilience Fund to help communities respond during severe weather events; adopting worker safety standards; and working with both private sector entities and lawmakers to make clean energy more accessible.
Due to Haaland attending a Democratic Governor’s Association meeting elsewhere on Thursday night, Foster read prepared responses during the forum. CVNM was chosen because it is recognized as one of New Mexico’s main policy organizations focused on legislative action against climate change. In May 2025 CVNM endorsed Haaland as their “Green Gov Choice” ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial race.
“New Mexicans have witnessed first hand the impacts of the climate crisis on our economy, communities, and livelihoods,” stated Demis Foster, CVNM Chief Executive Officer.“The reality is that there is no corner of the state or community untouched by wildfire, drought, flood, or extreme heat. These impacts not only take a toll on public health and safety, but they also decimate our economy, and threaten our cultural and natural heritage. It is imperative that state leaders come together to safeguard our communities and people, and ensure we have a diversified and resilient economy that helps all New Mexicans thrive. As shared tonight, Deb Haaland will do this by centering our people and collective strengths in solutions, not only to cut climate pollution but also invest in all of our communities. Deb Haaland is the clear choice for New Mexico’s next Governor.”
