New Mexico recognized for clean energyJun 26 - McClatchy-Tribune Content Agency, LLC - Sarah Matott Carlsbad Current-Argus, N.M.
The new report, released Monday by the Clean Energy States Alliance, is called, "Clean Energy Champions: The Importance of State Programs and Policies." The alliance is a nonprofit group with a mission to advance clean energy across the nation. The report highlights New Mexico's use of a production tax credit, a Renewable Portfolio Standard and mapping of wind resources. "In 2013, it (New Mexico) ranked sixth in the nation for crude oil production, seventh for natural gas and twelfth for coal," the report said. Warren Leon, executive director for the alliance, said that New Mexico was particularly good in the study because of the great diversity the state has with its resources. "The study is trying to show people the tremendous efforts that are being made to promote clean energy," Leon said. "Over the last 15 years policy and innovation have been unleashed." The report itself singles out New Mexico leaders who have helped grow the state's clean energy portfolio. Developing policies and programs, "have attracted millions of private and federal dollars, generated construction and manufacturing jobs, and boosted state revenues from land leases for renewable energy projects," the report said. The report also highlights how U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., emphasized the need for accurate data on clean energy and the economic implications that come with it. Recently, as a member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee Heinrich has introduced new legislation to continue improving clean energy for the state. On June 9, one of the bills Heinrich discussed was the Public Lands Renewable Energy Development Act. The bill would simplify the permitting process for solar, geothermal and wind projects on public lands However, despite New Mexico gaining recognition from an outside study and Heinrich's efforts to develop New Mexico as a leading clean energy state, Attorney General Hector Balderas called the current New Mexico energy system dysfunctional Wednesday. "We have an urgent public safety and public health issue on our hands because the system is focused on representing the interests of wealthy corporations and wealthy special interests," Balderas said in a news release. Balderas said that energy security means access, affordability and reliability, which has not been provided. Sarah Matott can be reached at 575-628-5546.
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