For Immediate Release:
January 28, 2021

Contact:
Camilla Feibelman, 505.715.8388, camilla.feibelman@sierraclub.org

Community leaders across New Mexico applaud introduction of Climate Solutions Act (HB 9)

(Santa Fe, NM) Community leaders across New Mexico today applauded the introduction of the Climate Solutions Act (HB 9), highlighting its science-based approach and focus on historically disadvantaged communities. They called on state legislators to protect public health and New Mexico’s air and water resources from climate change and to accelerate a just transition to a more diversified and resilient economy built by and for everyday New Mexicans.

“The Climate Solutions Act sponsored by Rep. Angelica Rubio, Rep. Melanie Stansbury, Speaker Brian Egolf, Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart, and Senators Carrie Hamblen and Benny Shendo is NM’s first step towards modeling environmentally conscious and resilient economic development–resulting in a more fair economy where all New Mexicans prosper while tackling the ever growing threat of climate change to our everyday lives. HB9 begins the bold, long-term work NM needs to do to make sure historically marginalized communities across the state, especially rural communities and communities of color, can diversify their local economy and it guarantees New Mexicans are first in line to prepare for the high quality jobs and economic opportunities that will arise from clean energy industry.”
James Povijua, Policy Director, Center for Civic Policy

“Today’s introduction of the Climate Solutions Act is a huge first step in making sure that historically disadvantaged communities are heard by having a seat at the table to envision a stronger and healthier NM for present and future generations. This legislation sends a clear message that the best way to move New Mexico forward is by making sure the voices and needs of those directly impacted by climate change and the need to diversify our economy are put front and center. We applaud Rep. Rubio and Rep. Stansbury for this bold piece of legislation that creates more pathways for hardworking New Mexicans to be part of NM’s new clean energy economy.”
Johana Bencomo, Executive Director, NM CAFé

“The Climate Solutions Act will provide the framework for impacted communities in Northwestern New Mexico to transition from historic reliance on fossil fuels to renewable energy and sustainable economic principles.  We look forward to innovative approaches and solutions to eliminating emissions, reducing externalities and protecting public health.”
Mike Eisenfeld,  San Juan Citizens Alliance

“The Climate Solutions Act will build upon the 2019 New Mexico Energy Transition Act, by taking a statewide approach of a Just Transition for every New Mexican. HB 9 addresses the disproportionate impacts of fossil fuel extraction and climate change that are all too common in many tribal communities. Thank You Rep. Angelica Rubio, Rep. Melanie Stansbury, Speaker Brian Egolf, Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart, and Senators Carrie Hamblen and Benny Shendo for providing the roadmap for true healing of our Mother Earth.”
Joseph Hernandez, Dine’ energy organizer, NAVA Education Project

“Greenhouse gas emissions do not stop at tribal, state, or national borders. We all breathe the same air, drink the same water, depend on the same climate, and have the same dreams for our children. The Climate Solutions Act is unique in combining ambitious, science-based goals to reduce climate pollution with new economic strategies that will ensure all New Mexicans thrive in a healthier and more prosperous future. Kudos to Speaker Brian Egolf, Representatives Melanie Stansbury and Angelica Rubio, Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart, and Senators Benny Shendo and Carrie Hamblen for their leadership.”
Barbara Webber, Health Action New Mexico

“The science on climate change is clear. The Climate Solutions Act rises to the challenge of leaving a better, healthier, and safer world for our children and grandchildren. It seizes the opportunity to rebuild better and make New Mexico a leader in innovations that will create jobs, take advantage of our state’s abundant renewable energy, create a just transition for our economy, and protect our precious land, air and water resources. We also need to ensure that as we tackle climate change, we create a just transition so that all communities are part of that solution.”
Alex Merlino, Partnership for Responsible Business

“This legislation will help accelerate the transition to a cleaner, more diversified economy that works for all New Mexicans. This is New Mexico emerging as a leader in creating quality jobs for those who have been left out of the boom-and-bust industries and taking advantage of our potential for renewable energy and abundance of natural beauty.”
Camilla Feibelman, Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter

“The Climate Solutions Act will put New Mexico in the lead, building a clean sustainable economy that works for all New Mexicans.”
Noah Long, NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council)

“This comprehensive bill will build on the leading climate commitments Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has made over the last few years. By enshrining science-based, emissions targets in statute and directing the New Mexico Environment Department to ensure regulations are in place to meet those reductions, it will protect local communities from the worst impacts of climate change, including worsening heat, drought and water scarcity. This bill takes an important step toward a just transition in New Mexico, by prioritizing historically disadvantaged communities for high-quality, clean energy jobs. As New Mexico tackles the existential threat of climate change head on, it will need to ensure that frontline communities across the state are at the table and able to play a central role in shaping policy action.”
Jon Goldstein, Environmental Defense Fund

“We applaud the Climate Solutions Act for precisely what it is: an act of climate leadership that will help safeguard our natural heritage, respect and protect hard working New Mexican families, and spark exciting new opportunities to build a thriving, stable, and sustainable clean energy future.”
Erik Schlenker-Goodrich, Western Environmental Law Center

“This bill reinforces New Mexico’s strong commitment to have necessary conversations about the need for a just transition for the economy and our energy resources. What comes next in our energy landscape and how we get there from here needs to be a defining conversation in the Capitol, and statewide, in the coming years. We applaud HB 9 for centering and creating workforce pathways for impacted communities through workforce development, and underscoring the Governor’s climate commitment.”
Ben Shelton, Conservation Voters New Mexico

“Passage of the Climate Solutions Act will put New Mexico at the national forefront of carbon reduction targets, while centering frontline communities as we transition to a green, sustainable economy.  The NM Environmental Law Center applauds this comprehensive approach to combating environmental injustice and saving Mother Earth.”
Dr. Virginia Necochea, New Mexico Environmental Law Center

“For the first time, New Mexico is tackling climate change with a comprehensive strategy that combines science-based emissions targets and a commitment to prepare and support communities for the impacts of climate change. The Climate Solutions Act is forward looking with a focus on enhancing and diversifying New Mexico’s economy, especially for disadvantaged communities that are seeking opportunities in the growing renewable energy economy.”
Tom Solomon 350NM

“We want to thank Speaker Brian Egolf for the tremendous opportunity he has afforded New Mexico by presenting the forward-thinking Climate Solutions Act. This landmark bill will put New Mexico on the map as a pioneer of equitable and effective climate strategies by aggressively reducing greenhouse gas emissions, expanding high-quality jobs, and ensuring a just transition for our economy. Thanks also to Rep. Melanie Stansbury and Rep. Angelica Rubio, Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart, and Senators Benny Shendo and Carrie Hamblen for joining the Speaker in this powerful Act. The legislature should fast track this initiative to harness the state’s abundant renewable potential and protect our state’s most valuable resources: its people and its lands.”
Jordan Smith, Climate Advocates Voces Unidas

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