Click here to tell Gov. Lujan Grisham and your legislators know how important it is to eliminate climate pollution

Sponsors: Rep. Nathan Small, Speaker Brian Egolf, Rep. Kristina Ortez, Sen. Mimi Stewart, Sen. Siah Correa Hemphill 

The clean-energy transition is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to diversify our economy, raise new revenue, and create good jobs, in addition to tackling the climate and health impacts we already see across New Mexico. For our climate, our health, and our economy, it’s time to open new doors to a clean future for every New Mexico community. 

The Clean Future Act sets ambitious requirements of a 50% reduction of climate pollution in New Mexico by 2030 and at least 90% by 2050. Because New Mexico’s carbon emissions have increased since the 2005 baseline, this would represent a 64% reduction of current levels of climate pollution by 2030. The bill doesn’t allow offsets to meet the 2030 target and limits emissions that can be offset by 2050 to 10% of 2005 levels, making this one of the most stringent limits anywhere. 

The Clean Future Act would require emissions reductions, rules, and accountability: 

• Emissions 50% below 2005 levels by 2030. Because emissions have increased since 2005, this would represent a 64% reduction from current levels by 2030. The bill does not allow offsets to meet the 2030 target.

• Net-zero emissions in 2050 and beyond, including minimum 90% direct emission reductions. Any remaining emissions between the minimum 90% reduction and zero emissions must be offset by reductions elsewhere that would not have been achieved otherwise. Offsets cannot exceed 10% of 2005 levels and would not be allowed before 2030.

• Consultation with overburdened communities and tribal governments, and prioritization of reducing impacts in those communities when establishing regulations. Consultation will be used in development of climate policies that address disproportionate impacts and improve our understanding of how climate change affects those communities. When developing regulations, the state must consider prioritization and benefits of reductions in overburdened communities. The state is also directed to consult with tribal governments, conduct outreach in disproportionately impacted communities and solicit input from the sustainable economy advisory council when developing GHG reporting and rules.

• Annual reports from state agencies on total emissions, emissions reductions, impacts of climate change on disproportionately impacted communities, and any needed additional policies to reduce emissions. 

• A statutory deadline for proposed regulations requiring that the state Environment Department petition the Environmental Improvement Board to create rules to reduce emissions from sources covered by the state Air Quality Control Act, with a deadline of January 1, 2024.

• Ensures coverage of all major emitting sectors to facilitate effective regulation and achieve emission reductions consistent with a stable climate future. 

To achieve these new requirements, New Mexico will have to begin a rapid transformation to clean energy and away from fossil fuels. A recent Gridlab report shows the immense possibility of the Clean Future Act. By 2030, our modeling shows we would need reductions amounting to:

• 95% climate pollution reduction in the power sector

• More than 90% reduction in upstream oil and gas methane emissions

• At least 55% electric vehicles as a percentage of new passenger vehicle sales

• 20-30% emissions reductions from commercial and residential buildings 

• 70% electric furnaces and water heaters as a percentage of new sales

• Full compliance with reductions in all emitting sectors

From Gridlab/Evolved Energy analysis

Sierra Club-Rio Grande Chapter * NRDC * NM Public Health Association * Environmental Defense Fund * Conservation Voters New Mexico * Western Resource Advocates * Western Environmental Law Center * Climate Advocates Voces Unidas * OLÉ * New Mexico Wild * Nuestra Tierra * 350NewMexico * Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP) * NM Interfaith Power and Light * NM Café * Power4NM *350 New Mexico*