Legislation to double New Mexico's renewable energy standard was signed by Governor Richardson today. The Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard, SB418, was sponsored by Senator Michael Sanchez (D-Belen).
SB418 will increase New Mexico’s current renewable energy standard from 10% by 2011 to 20% by 2020.
The standard is among the strongest in the country, setting a renewable energy standard for all rural electric cooperatives as well. Under this legislation, all electric cooperatives would be required to get 10% of their electricity from renewables by 2020.
The bill was supported by renewable energy advocates, conservationists, farmers and utility companies.
"Today, Governor Richardson signs into law a bill that will become a cornerstone of New Mexico’s new energy economy,” said Lauren Ketcham, Environmental Advocate with Environment New Mexico. “Doubling our use of renewable energy to 20% by 2020 will protect our air, cut global warming pollution and increase our energy security.”
New Mexico’s current investment in renewable energy has been an enormous success. Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) is expected to meet the state’s current RPS of 10% several years ahead of schedule.
“Not only will this double the renewable energy developed, it will also play a critical role in launching large scale solar power generation in the United States,” said Ben Luce, Director of the Coalition for Clean Affordable Energy (CCAE). “This will provide for the first time a serious alternative to coal and nuclear power.”
The Governor also signed the Renewable Energy Transmission Authority bill, HB188, sponsored by Representative Jose Campos (D-Santa Rosa). HB188 requires that lines contracted by the Authority have at least 30% of their energy come from renewable energy sources.
“Although some states have similar transmission planning entities, our Renewable Energy Transmission Authority makes New Mexico the first state to have a strong requirement for renewable energy,” said Luce. “This will require the development of huge amounts of renewable energy above the requirement of the new RPS.”
Investments in wind and other renewable energy technologies help generate tremendous new economic development opportunities in rural and agricultural areas of the country, enabling farmers, ranchers and landowners to grow a reliable new "cash crop" that doesn't need water.
“Support for clean energy continues to grow," said Ketcham. "New Mexicans realize that renewable energy won’t just help protect our environment but will be a driver for New Mexico’s economic future."
