August 17, 2011
Contact: Mariel Nanasi 505-469-4060
New Energy Economy Vigorously Opposes PNM Integrated Resource Plan
Cites Flawed Dependence on Coal and Misleading Cost Projections
Santa Fe – New Energy Economy today filed its strong opposition to PNM’s 2011 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) before the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (PRC). The nonprofit advocacy group points to numerous flaws in PNM’s IRP that will result in unstable and rising prices for consumers, decreased energy security, unsustainable levels of air pollution and water consumption, and severely constrained job creation and economic growth in New Mexico.
“PNM’s myopic overreliance on coal will continue to harm New Mexico’s economy and quality of life,” said Mariel Nanasi, New Energy Economy’s Executive Director. “By disregarding energy efficiency, pollution control and clean energy development, PNM is denying New Mexico’s businesses and families important economic, health and environmental benefits. Texas, Colorado and Arizona are literally creating thousands of clean energy jobs while PNM fights to protect its failed investments in outdated and dangerous coal technology.”
New Energy Economy’s objection provides clear and compelling evidence in support of the following key points:
PNM’s IRP proposes the minimum in energy efficiency, below the legal requirements stipulated in the Energy Efficiency Act, despite overwhelming evidence that such measures would result in vast cost savings.
PNM’s IRP dismisses renewable energy sources despite the rapidly declining cost of these technologies and New Mexico’s abundance of wind power and solar power potential.
PNM’s IRP assumes its coal plants can continue to consume billions of gallons of clean water each year even though New Mexico is experiencing its worst drought year in recorded history.
PNM’s IRP refuses to acknowledge the dangerous health and environmental costs of maintaining its antiquated coal plants.
PNM’s IRP does not accurately account for the costs of current and imminent pollution regulations and the inevitable pricing of carbon emissions.
About New Energy Economy
New Energy Economy is a registered 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization established in 2004 to create economic opportunity in New Mexico with less carbon pollution and more clean energy. New Energy Economy works in partnership with diverse allies to encourage job growth, investment and innovation in a more efficient, sustainable and equitable energy sector.New Energy Economy grounds its work in the research and findings of the world’s leading scientific and technological authorities. Learn more at www.newenergyeconomy.org
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