TAOS, NM—Yesterday, Steve Pearce, candidate for Governor of New Mexico, announced his plans to attract new businesses to the state and expand the use of renewable energy. In speaking to members of the Kit Carson Electric Cooperative in Taos, Pearce unveiled his plans to expand renewable energy in New Mexico and build an "all of the above" energy economy that creates jobs for New Mexicans while keeping energy affordable for our families.

"We appreciated Steve Pearce taking the time to personally visit with the Kit Carson Electric Cooperative yesterday to share his vision for New Mexico. I fully support Steve's plan to expand the renewable energy industry in New Mexico by working to attract companies to our state, including those that have committed to using 100 percent renewable energy. We don't have to pick between renewable and traditional energy sources in New Mexico - we can build a diverse energy economy that creates jobs and provides affordable energy to our families. Steve Pearce is the right person to lead that effort as Governor and I look forward to working with him to expand the renewable energy industry in rural communities like Taos County and across our state," said Luis Reyes, Jr.

"In providing more jobs to the rural areas of our state we will make it possible for our next generation to pursue degrees at our universities and still find meaningful opportunity in their home county, helping strengthen and stabilize the families and communities of New Mexico.

"New Mexico is poised to lead the nation in clean, renewable energy," said Pearce. "What's needed is the leadership and vision to market New Mexico's competitive advantage to companies searching for affordable renewable energy. As Governor, I will work tirelessly to help New Mexico build a diverse energy economy that creates jobs and produces affordable energy for all New Mexicans," said Pearce.

The announcement is another positive step that Steve Pearce has announced to rebuild the decimated rural economies of New Mexico. Last week, Pearce announced his plan to partner with Cibola County to build a refinery creating thousands of construction jobs and 200 to 300 long-term jobs with an average pay of $70,000. These jobs will breathe new life into Cibola County. All of northern New Mexico will benefit from the announcement yesterday.

"In providing more jobs to the rural areas of our state we will make it possible for our next generation to pursue degrees at our universities and still find meaningful opportunity in their home county, helping strengthen and stabilize the families and communities of New Mexico" Pearce said.

"New Mexico is poised to lead the nation in clean, renewable energy," said Pearce. "What's needed is the leadership and vision to market New Mexico's competitive advantage to companies searching for affordable renewable energy. As Governor, I will work tirelessly to help New Mexico build a diverse energy economy that creates jobs and produces affordable energy for all New Mexicans."

As Governor, Steve Pearce will work to attract to New Mexico companies from the RE100 list that have committed to using 100 percent renewable energy. New Mexico's unique competitive advantage in solar and wind energy should be leveraged to encourage these companies - especially those with high energy consumption facilities like data centers - to locate their facilities in New Mexico. By aggressively pursuing this strategy, Steve Pearce believes we can grow the renewable energy industry in New Mexico without implementing costly and damaging government mandates that drive up the cost of energy for our families and put New Mexicans out of work.