Transformative clean energy bill leads the nation, becomes law

Santa Fe –  Today, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed into law landmark legislation to move New Mexico’s electricity supply towards renewable energy and zero-carbon resources. Senate Bill 489, the Energy Transition Act, is an historic and transformative measure to reduce electricity costs, diversify the economy, invest in local communities, and protect the environment. Senate Bill 489 is sponsored by Sen. Jacob Candelaria (D-Albuquerque), Rep. Nathan Small (D-Las Cruces), Speaker Brian Egolf (D-Santa Fe), and Sen. Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque).

Specifically, the Energy Transition Act calls for:

  • 50% renewable energy by 2030, 80% by 2040, and 100% zero-carbon resources by 2045;
  • a large renewable energy build-out to create an estimated 8,000 new jobs by 2050;
  • financing to transition away from coal and to protect consumers; and
  • economic relief for communities impacted by coal plant closures.

“This is a very special moment,” said Rep. Nathan Small. “As someone born and raised in New Mexico, like all of us, I went to sleep and woke up every morning in the state with the highest economic opportunity from renewable energy. Now, New Mexicans will wake up in a state that finally decided to lead. We will lead in renewable energy, lead in creating jobs for our communities, and lead in safeguarding our communities far into the future. I am so proud to have worked on this legislation with our incredible leaders, advocates, and our Governor.”

“When we say that this is a piece of landmark legislation, it’s true,” said Speaker Brian Egolf. “New Mexico is leading the world on this front. It is an example of what’s yet to come. I am so proud of this moment where we are showing our whole state that we are not like Washington, D.C., and that our legislature, Governor, and stakeholders can come together to work hard for the people of New Mexico, and that we can listen more than we talk so we can invest in real solutions. This legislation will have impacts on generations to come and will create a brighter, cleaner future for all of our children. This was truly a team effort, and I want to thank the bill sponsors and our Governor for their incredible leadership on moving New Mexico forward.”

New Mexico communities impacted by coal plant closures will receive nearly $70 million in direct community investments. $20 million of these investments will go into three funds overseen by the Departments of Indian Affairs, Economic Development, and Workforce Solutions to assist the Four Corners’ economy to diversify the economy. New Mexico’s economy will be bolstered by a large renewable energy build-out, with a local workforce trained to supply the needed labor. This bill does not require any coal plant to close. 

Content on the Beat

WARNING: All articles and photos with a byline or photo credit are copyrighted to the author or photographer. You may not use any information found within the articles without asking permission AND giving attribution to the source. Photos can be requested and may incur a nominal fee for use personally or commercially.

Disclaimer: If you find errors in articles not written by the Beat team but sent to us from other content providers, please contact the writer, not the Beat. For example, obituaries are always provided by the funeral home or a family member. We can fix errors, but please give details on where the error is so we can find it. News releases from government and non-profit entities are posted generally without change, except for legal notices, which incur a small charge.

NOTE: If an article does not have a byline, it was written by someone not affiliated with the Beat and then sent to the Beat for posting.

Images: We have received complaints about large images blocking parts of other articles. If you encounter this problem, click on the title of the article you want to read and it will take you to that article's page, which shows only that article without any intruders. 

New Columnists: The Beat continues to bring you new columnists. And check out the old faithfuls who continue to provide content.

Newsletter: If you opt in to the Join GCB Three Times Weekly Updates option above this to the right, you will be subscribed to email notifications with links to recently posted articles.

Submitting to the Beat

Those new to providing news releases to the Beat are asked to please check out submission guidelines at https://www.grantcountybeat.com/about/submissions. They are for your information to make life easier on the readers, as well as for the editor.

Advertising: Don't forget to tell advertisers that you saw their ads on the Beat.

Classifieds: We have changed Classifieds to a simpler option. Check periodically to see if any new ones have popped up. Send your information to editor@grantcountybeat.com and we will post it as soon as we can. Instructions and prices are on the page.

Editor's Notes

It has come to this editor's attention that people are sending information to the Grant County Beat Facebook page. Please be aware that the editor does not regularly monitor the page. If you have items you want to send to the editor, please send them to editor@grantcountybeat.com. Thanks!

Here for YOU: Consider the Beat your DAILY newspaper for up-to-date information about Grant County. It's at your fingertips! One Click to Local News. Thanks for your support for and your readership of Grant County's online news source—www.grantcountybeat.com

Feel free to notify editor@grantcountybeat.com if you notice any technical problems on the site. Your convenience is my desire for the Beat.  The Beat totally appreciates its readers and subscribers!  

Compliance: Because you are an esteemed member of The Grant County Beat readership, be assured that we at the Beat continue to do everything we can to be in full compliance with GDPR and pertinent US law, so that the information you have chosen to give to us cannot be compromised.