Press Releases

Governor Lujan Grisham Reiterates Support for State Climate Action

Says a leading oil and gas producing state can also be a climate leader
May 18, 2023

SANTA FE – The League of Conservation Voters (LCV) and Conservation Voters New Mexico (CVNM) applaud Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s comments at the Politico Energy Summit this afternoon reinvigorating her support for significant climate action. (see live summit broadcast here)

We’re grateful that under Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s leadership New Mexico was one of the first states to enact a 100% clean energy commitment in 2019,” said LCV Vice President for State Policy and Advocacy, Bill Holland. “Since then, governors across the country have enacted their own 100% commitments, some with even faster timelines, and in recent months have moved quickly to implement President Biden’s Clean Energy Plan to create local clean energy jobs and lower costs for consumers. We’re looking forward to working with the Governor as she lays out her plan to pass legislation re-establishing New Mexico as one of the top states for clean energy.

The Governor made her comments today at the Politico Energy Summit in Washington, DC. As she noted in comments at the U.N. Conference on Climate (COP26) in Glasgow in 2021, it’s important for New Mexico to lead on climate action as the second largest oil and gas producing state in the country.

“It was hopeful to hear the Governor acknowledge that New Mexico will continue to be a leader on climate change by leading on an energy transition and continuing to reduce carbon emissions, but we’ve stalled in the legislature,” said CVNM Executive Director, Demis Foster. “The administration can reinvigorate the state’s momentum and leadership by committing to rulemakings in the transportation sector – Advanced Clean Cars II, Advanced Clean Trucks, and NOX – updating building codes, and appliance and lighting efficiency.”

Background

Politico held its first energy summit to explore the complicated technological and political path the Biden administration is walking to advance its infrastructure and climate policies. Speakers examined progress and challenges with the electrification of everything, a Just Transition and other environmental justice proposals, and technology and innovation in wind, solar, nuclear, and battery storage, as well as the battle to implement and enforce ESG standards to combat climate change.

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The League of Conservation Voters builds political power to protect people and the planet – because our Earth is worth fighting for. We envision a world in which tackling the climate crisis, confronting environmental injustice, and strengthening our democracy lead to cleaner and healthier communities, good, well-paying jobs, and a just, equitable, and sustainable future for all.

Conservation Voters New Mexico 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.