Background

What New Mexico Is Already Doing

In 2004, Governor Richardson declared New Mexico “The Clean Energy State”.  The state has completed implementation of many programs and initiatives to promote clean energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions under the Governor’s leadership.  New Mexico was the first state in the country to initiate state government membership in the Chicago Climate Exchange.  The Exchange requires members to reduce greenhouse gas emissions annually or buy credits from those that reduce more than required.  New Mexico has inventoried state government’s emissions of greenhouse gases and is working on programs to educate and incentivize reduction of greenhouse gas emissions throughout state government operations.  The Governor issued an executive order for all state agency buildings that are newy constructed or renovated must adopt the LEED system.  Additionally, by 2010, 15% of state agency fuels purchased must be from renewable fuels, such as ethanol or biodiesel; and 75% of state agency vehicles acquired each year must be capable of operating on alternative fuels or be gas-electric hybrids. Governor Richardson partnered with Governor Napolitano of Arizona to commit both states to working together towards greenhouse gas emissions reductions through western and national initiatives, such as regional inventories and registries.  New Mexico is participating with thirty other states in developing a policy-neutral registry tool that will enable regional and/or national cap and trade programs in the future.

The growth of renewable energy and energy efficiency reduces greenhouse gas emissions.  Towards that end, Governor Richardson joined with Governor Schwarzenegger of California in committing the Western Governor’s Association to goals of 30,000 megawatts of clean energy produced in the west by 2015 and a 20% increase in energy efficiency by 2020.  In order to promote the growth of clean energy and energy efficiency in New Mexico, the Governor has several incentive initiatives  The state has a renewable portfolio standard requirement of 10% renewable energy by 2011 and utilities are required to offer a green power tariff to allow ratepayers to opt to pay a premium for renewable energy.  Legislation signed into law by the governor to incentivize renewable energy development includes solar energy tax rebates on installation of solar energy systems, an energy production tax credit to provide incentive for renewable energy development and net metering allowance.  The Governor has established a Clean Energy Development Council to develop policy recommendations to grow clean energy in New Mexico.  The Council has several subcommittees devoted to various sectors of renewable energy and energy efficiency, like wind, solar, and biomass power, as well as green buildings.  Cumulatively, these programs make New Mexico a national leader of states in the promotion of Clean Energy and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. 

See also: Livability! The Report of the Governor’s Task Force on Our Communities, Our Future, January 2005.