November 18, 2011
Contact: Mariel Nanasi 505-469-4060
Statewide Support Surges for New Mexico Carbon Pollution Reduction Law
Business, Medical, Environmental, Native American and Hispanic Groups Aligned
Santa Fe – New Mexico’s landmark carbon pollution reduction law enjoys deep, widespread support across the state. This momentum was clearly evident as New Energy Economy today filed Entries of Appearance on behalf of numerous organizations that will testify in support of the law at upcoming hearings before the state Environment Improvement Board (EIB). The groups lining up in support of the law represent more than twenty-five thousand members including businesses, doctors, environmental advocates, water conservationists, transportation experts as well as advocates for jobs and health in Native American and Hispanic communities.
“Families and businesses throughout New Mexico strongly support the carbon pollution reduction law,” said Mariel Nanasi, Executive Director of New Energy Economy. “PNM is fighting the law to increase its profits and the Martinez administration is helping PNM to protect a major source of campaign cash.” The EIB is considering a repeal from PNM and other major polluters to reverse the carbon pollution reduction law.
Recent polls show strong, bi-partisan majorities throughout New Mexico support efforts to reduce pollution and increase renewable energy development. These same polls indicate that most people do not believe reducing pollution harms the economy. “We will no longer accept the lie that Native American health must be sacrificed to justify PNM’s coal plants and their toxic pollution,” said Corrine Sanchez, Executive Director for Tewa Women United.
An economic analysis released in February indicated the carbon pollution reduction law has the potential to add 17,500 family-supporting jobs in New Mexico’s electric sector and add more than $2 billion in total added economic value to New Mexico’s families and businesses. “Addressing climate change presents businesses and investors with opportunity. Innovative products and new technologies are emerging to help mitigate pollution, reduce reliance on fossil fuels and limit our overall impact on the environment – all the while creating new markets, job opportunities and growth potential,” said Vicki Pozzebon, Executive Director, Santa Fe Alliance.
The carbon pollution law adopted by the EIB in 2010 requires facilities that emit more than 25,000 metric tons of carbon pollution per year to reduce these emissions by 3 percent per year from 2010 levels starting in 2013. The law has been lauded by national experts for its capacity to improve New Mexico’s energy security by means of predictability, market-based mechanisms and extensive compliance flexibility.
Those who filed their opposition to PNM’s repeal of the carbon reduction rule include: Amigo Bravos, Center for Southwest Culture, Chainbreaker, Climate Change Leadership Institute, Coalition for Clean Affordable Energy, Drilling Mora County, Earth Care International, Girls Gone Green, Las Vegas Peace & Justice Center, League of Women Voters, Navajo Green Economy Commission, New Mexico Interfaith Power & Light, New Mexico Physicians for Social Responsibility, Positive Energy, Rocky Mountain Youth Corps, San Juan Citizen’s Alliance, Santa Fe Alliance, Sierra Club – Rio Grande Chapter, Southwest Organizing Project, Tewa Women United, VAWT Wind Power, Wild Earth Guardians, and The Wilderness Society.
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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