ALBUQUERQUE, NM - A new report released Wednesday finds New Mexicans
stand to gain from the Senate version of a climate and energy bill that
proposes to make major improvements in energy efficiency, compared to
the House's version. The study by Environment New Mexico
found individual households could earn more than a few hundred dollars,
and the state thousands of new jobs as the payoff if the increased
energy efficiency remains in the bill set for debate in the Senate.
Kim McMurray, state fellow with Environment New Mexico, gives the numbers.
"Strong energy efficiency policies in an energy and climate bill can
save New Mexican families $337 on their energy bills annually, and
create 4,300 new jobs in New Mexico."
McMurray says those numbers are based on a Senate bill requiring energy
utilities to reduce energy use by at least 10 percent. It would require
a third of the funding going to utilities to be used for energy
efficiency. The version of the bill that passed the House this summer
has lower efficiency requirements. Some opponents of efficiency
requirements say they mean higher energy costs for already
cash-strapped households.
Phyllis Kaplan, executive director of New Mexico-based A Center Advancing Sustainable Architecture, points out that 40 to 45 percent of all carbon emissions come from electricity and other energy use in buildings of all kinds.
"Controlling the way structures are built with better codes is the fastest way to reduce carbon emissions."
The report advocates for a strong requirement that utility companies
reduce their energy usage by providing incentives and assistance to
help customers make their homes and businesses more energy-efficient.
