Background

Role of New Mexico Climate Change Advisory Group

Recognizing the state's interests in continued growth, economic development, and energy security, Governor Bill Richardson signed Executive Order 05-033 in June 2005 to establish the New Mexico Climate Change Advisory Group (CCAG). The CCAG’s mission is to prepare an inventory of current state greenhouse gas emissions (GHG’s) , as well as a forecast of future emissions, and to present to the Governor an action plan with recommendations to reduce GHG’s in New Mexico to meet reduction targets established in the Executive Order. 

The CCAG comprises a diverse group of stakeholders who bring broad perspective and expertise to the topic of climate change mitigation in New Mexico. Stakeholders represent the following sectors: electric power generation, fossil fuel industry, manufacturing, mining, agriculture, forestry, construction and building, tourism and recreation, heath care, non-governmental organizations, Indian tribes, state and local government, and the general public.

The efforts of the CCAG are supplemented by technical work groups that provide technical analysis and policy options for CCAG consideration. The New Mexico Environment Department is coordinating the stakeholder process, with facilitation and technical support provided by the non-profit Center for Climate Strategies. 

The New Mexico CCAG will develop recommended policy actions through a transparent and inclusive process involving joint fact-finding and policy development, including identification of alternative solutions as needed to reduce potential conflicts. Opportunities for public input will be provided during the process. Key steps in the process include:

• Development of historical emissions inventories and baseline forecasts to support quantification of actions to meet Executive Order targets. Base years and base emissions rates will be developed for all sectors and for sub-sectors and policies as needed. 
• Examination of a large number of related policy actions already undertaken in New Mexico and other states and regions, with adaptation and prioritization of options for New Mexico based on stakeholder preference. 
• Exploration of mitigation options in all sectors including energy supply; commercial, industrial and residential; transportation and land use; agriculture and forestry; and waste management.   
• Consideration of a range of possible voluntary and mandatory approaches for state and multi-state action, with recommendations to cover future time periods of 2012, 2020 and 2050.

In addition, the CCAG will consider the potential overlap of greenhouse gas reductions and air quality, energy, land use, economic development, and other important co-benefits. The management and use of water resources will be given particular attention due to long-term forecasted drought in the region, and its implications for energy production and use. Mitigation of all greenhouse gases will be examined, including carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, synthetic gases, and potentially black carbon. 

At the conclusion of the process, the CCAG will provide the Climate Change Action Council with a final report with findings and recommendations for state action, including an inventory of existing and planned actions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.