FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 9, 2023

President Biden Reaffirms Investments in Clean Energy Jobs in New Mexico

Speech demonstrates benefits to New Mexicans from the IRA

BELEN, N.M. – Conservation Voters New Mexico applauds President Joseph Biden for visiting New Mexico and the greater Southwest to tout his climate and conservation achievements and reaffirm his administration’s commitment to a just energy transition. His visit comes ahead of the August 16th anniversary of the signing of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). He was joined by Governor Michaell Lujan Grisham, Senator Martin Heinrich, and Senator Ben Ray Luján. He was also joined by the CEO of Arcosa Wind Towers in Belen, a small town about 30 minutes south of Albuquerque, where the event was held.

The President laid out the benefits to families, communities, businesses and the state from the Inflation Reduction Act, which amplifies benefits created through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act), and the earlier American Rescue Plan Act, implemented during the height of the Covid pandemic.

Governor Lujan Grisham said, “This is the kind of leadership that we always deserved,” referring to the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic investment in clean energy in New Mexico. Senator Luján said it has been an “absolute honor” to work on the IRA and bring clean energy jobs to New Mexico’s communities, while Senator Heinrich told the crowd, “We’re only getting started” on investing in the energy transition.

“No President has done as much across climate action, conservation and infrastructure investment as President Biden.” said Executive Director Demis Foster. “He, his administration and pro-conservation and pro-climate members of Congress have held firm against those who would roll back these investments that support not just hardworking New Mexicans and their families and communities, but also urban and rural businesses, and our waters and wildlife. In New Mexico, we can leverage federal funds to build out clean energy and outdoor recreation opportunities, diversifying the state’s economy as we move forward on the path to a New Mexico that works for everyone.”

“President Biden highlighted the Arcosa Wind Tower manufacturing facility in Belen, with $55 to $60 million in investment creating 250 jobs,” said Climate & Energy Advocate Samantha Kao. “The ABB manufacturing facility outside Albuquerque making cables for the utility industry, and Geobrugg supporting electric vehicle fast-charging development, are other recent examples. This is confirmation that one of the top oil and gas producing states can lead the transition to clean energy, using the tens of millions of dollars already received under the IRA and the commitments of $3 billion through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. We have a lot of work ahead of us and federal funding is key to implementing robust climate and energy action right here in New Mexico.”

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CVNM is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization connecting the people of New Mexico to their political power to protect our air, land, and water for a healthy Land of Enchantment. CVNM does this by mobilizing voters, winning elections, holding elected officials accountable and advancing responsible public policies.

Link to full press release with examples and details.