During this year’s legislative session, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham backed the Hydrogen Hub Act to incentivize a hydrogen power industry in the state and put New Mexico in the running to access some of the $8 billion available from the Biden Administration’s Infrastructure bill set aside for so-called Hydrogen Hubs. But critics say that hydrogen production can actually increase our carbon footprint rather than reducing our carbon emissions. Listen to the interview.
We’re in the news: Oil and gas’ role in climate change highlighted in global report.
Oil and gas production could be leading the world in climate change impacts brought on by pollution, per a recent international report that led to New Mexico environmentalists calling for reforms to fossil fuel policy.
We’re in the news! San Juan County Commission adopts resolution opposing conservation plan
San Juan County commissioners took a stance against a state and national land conservation initiative during their April 5 meeting in Aztec, voting 4-1 to pass a resolution opposing the so-called 30×30 plan.
Greater Chaco Coalition and Citizens Caring for the Future Respond to Biden Administration’s Decision to Restart Oil and Gas Leasing in New Mexico
The Greater Chaco Coalition and Citizens Caring for the Future jointly issued a statement condemning the Department of the Interior’s decision to resume oil and gas leasing on public lands across the United States, including in New Mexico.
Spring 2022 Outings
Rio Grande Sierra Club outings for April-June 2022.
Statement on President Biden’s ban on Russian oil imports
Oil and gas supply and revenue are weapons used by Russian oligarchs and criminals, and our dependence on oil and gas is a threat to our national security. It is long past time to take away these weapons, which are subsidizing the war and creating the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Ukraine, by accelerating our transition to clean energy. Wind and solar energy don’t fuel wars and violence.
In the news: Oil boom feeds NM budget, but environmental agencies left wanting
Rio Grande Chapter Director Camilla Feibelman comments on the problems with NM’s oil boom budget.
Environmental Priorities See Mixed Results in Legislative Session
New Mexico Wild and a coalition of conservation and environmental organizations released a recap of the New Mexico legislative session. Despite the legislative session being primarily devoted to budget issues, legislators missed an opportunity to provide full funding and staffing levels for state agencies that protect New Mexico’s air, land, water and wildlife. Even with a historic surplus in state revenues and a record-setting budget of $8.5 billion, the final budget fell almost $10 million short of the governor’s executive budget recommendations for NMED and EMNRD.
Statement on PNM’s San Juan Generating Station summer plans
Climate change – and the more frequent and intense heat waves it brings – is putting greater strain on our electric grid. PNM faces an added challenge during 2022’s peak-demand summer season because the pandemic and subsequent supply-chain issues have slowed construction of resources to replace the coal-fired San Juan Generating Station, which is set to retire in June. Keeping San Juan running an extra three months may be necessary to keep PNM’s reserve margin high enough until replacement resources start coming online in September.
Winter 2022 Outings
Get out and join us! Trips range from easy recycling facility tour to moderate bike-and-hike.