Yesterday the people spoke. Yesterday we witnessed the power of our movement when everyone is unified behind one goal - no time left for false solutions! Of 299 present at the hearing on the Hydrogen Hub Development Act, 219 (73%) raised their hand against it. The legislators heard loud and clear. After an epic six hour hearing in which paid oil and gas lobbyists tried their hardest to drown out community voices, the House Energy, Environment and Natural Resources committee voted to table the bill. Voices from across the state - Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Farmington, Las Cruces, Silver City and the Navajo Nation spoke out for the earth and the impacted communities who suffer the most in this oil and gas extraction economy. Our fight is not over - the New Mexican reports that the Governor will attempt to bring it back within this session, but now we know how powerful we can be when we speak together with one voice, and we will not be silenced.
Imagine the possibilities when we gather together in support of transformative solutions like Public Power. Already a dozen organizations have signed on in support, and a preliminary study has confirmed that Public Power ownership could lead to lower rates, an accelerated transition to 100% renewable energy and more than 550 permanent jobs and $1 Billion annually in revenue for the benefit of New Mexicans.
We need people from every community across the state to join together in a unified voice to not only oppose false solutions, but to advocate for meaningful change that will make a livable future possible. We ask each of you to reach out to groups you belong to - faith groups, community organizations, political movements, and ask them to sign-on in support of the Memorial to Study Public Power (SM 10) at PublicPowerNM.org. Unified, with one voice, we can transform New Mexico's energy and economy.
YESTERDAY WAS ALSO A GOOD DAY BECAUSE A LANDMARK LEGAL DECISION RESCINDED OIL AND GAS LEASES IN THE GULF AND SET THE PRECEDENT THAT CLIMATE IMPACTS MUST BE PROPERLY CONSIDERED, INCLUDING IN NEW MEXICO
This was a huge decision, not only because it tells the government that it must consider climate in its decision making, but because it says that lifecycle emissions must be taken into consideration and failure to do so equals flawed modeling! This landmark ruled will influence every oil and gas leasing decision moving forward. Contact the Department of Interior at 866-834-8040 and tell them to follow the science and decline to appeal.
In this case the barrels of oil and the profits to be gained were calculated, but the emissions and related costs were not, and the judge decided that this was a lop-sided analysis - a classically arbitrary decision - stating that modeling must include both. Similarly Section 18C of HB4 - the Hydrogen Hub Act - states that 2 years after the hydrogen production starts and two years after emissions will be spewing, the government will consider the impact of greenhouse gas emissions. This is grossly irresponsible and insufficient!
TOMORROW, SATURDAY AT 9:00AM WE NEED YOUR VOICES AGAIN AT THE HEARING FOR HB 6 - THE CLEAN FUTURE ACT
HB 6 - the "Clean" Future Act, sets good targets but the devil is in the timeline. The bill delays any meaningful emissions reductions until at least July 2025. It must be amended to begin the rulemaking process immediately. We cannot afford to begin the process of rulemaking in 2025 and expect to achieve any meaningful reductions by 2030. We need statutory emissions reduction mandates THIS YEAR - in order to begin the critical work necessary to achieve 50% reductions by 2030. Find a one pager, a detailed analysis and talking points here.
We are calling all climate activists to call and email your Representatives and all members of the committee to ask them to PROPOSE AN AMENDMENT to begin the rulemaking process immediately upon signature. The contact information of committee members is listed below:
Chair: Matthew McQueen (D). (505) 986-4423. matthew.mcqueen@nmlegis.gov
Vice Chair: Debra M. Sariñana (D). (505) 986-4436. debbie.sarinana@nmlegis.gov
Member: Brittney Barreras (D). (505) 986-4248. BRITTNEYFORNEWMEXICO@GMAIL.COM
Member: Meredith A. Dixon (D). (505) 986-4210. meredith.dixon@nmlegis.gov
Member: Miguel P. Garcia (D). (505) 986-4242. miguel.garcia@nmlegis.gov
Member: Pamelya Herndon (D). (505) 986-4432. pamelya.herndon@nmlegis.gov
Member: Rod Montoya (R). (505) 986-4757. roddmontoya@gmail.com
Member: Kristina Ortez (D). (505) 986-4254. kristina.ortez@nmlegis.gov
Member: Larry R. Scott (R). (505) 986-4450. larry.scott@nmlegis.gov
Member: James R.J. Strickler (R). (505) 986-4220. jamesstrickler@msn.com
Member: James G. Townsend (R). (505) 986-4758. townsend@pvtn.net
Bulk email: “Brittney Barreras” <BRITTNEYFORNEWMEXICO@GMAIL.COM>, “Meredith A. Dixon” <meredith.dixon@nmlegis.gov>, “Miguel P. Garcia” <miguel.garcia@nmlegis.gov>, “Pamelya Herndon” <pamelya.herndon@nmlegis.gov>, “Matthew McQueen” <matthew.mcqueen@nmlegis.gov>, “Rod Montoya” <roddmontoya@gmail.com>, “Kristina Ortez” <kristina.ortez@nmlegis.gov>, “Debra M. Sariñana” <debbie.sarinana@nmlegis.gov>, “Larry R. Scott” <larry.scott@nmlegis.gov>, “James R.J. Strickler” <jamesstrickler@msn.com>, “James G. Townsend” <townsend@pvtn.net>
New Energy Economy has prepared a one pager, a detailed analysis of the bill and webpage where you can learn more about the dangers of the timeline laid out in this bill. Act today to let the Committee members know that you want them to propose an amendment.
After you contact committee members, show up to the hearing at 9:00AM tomorrow to make public comment. Join on zoom at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83031344397