Here are some of the areas we are following and invite your engagement. Check out website for information, and if you are not part of Advocacy alerts and would like to sign up, contact joan@nm-ipl.org.
*HJR2 & SJR2: NM Environmental Rights Amendment (NM Green Amendment) FACT SHEET
The amendment that needs to pass legislation to go to a vote by New Mexicans. Proposes to amend the Constitution of New Mexico by adding a new section of Article 2 that provides the people of the state with environmental rights, including the right to a clean and healthy environment and the right to protection of the environment. The proposal directs the state to serve as a trustee of natural resources of New Mexico for the benefit of all New Mexicans. It also repeals the current pollution control provisions of Article 20, Section 21. It would allow legal redress when this right is violated by government action or inaction.
Bill Sponsors: Rep. Nathan Small, Sen. Siah Correa Hemphill; On the Governor’s Call
Climate change is the largest ethical and moral concern of our moment. We are feeling the effects in our region from drought, fires, health problems, excessive heat and more. We are working on just energy and economic transition that honors Our Common Home and our communities. 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. To achieve this, New Mexico will have to begin a thoughtful transformation to clean energy and away from fossil fuels that includes everyone, especially disproportionately impacted communities. Link for Fact Sheet
Here is a video from our Advocacy Briefing on Jan. 25, 2022
*HB 37 Community Energy Efficiency Development Grant FACT SHEET
Sponsor: Rep Kristina Ortez
Important to improve utility affordability, reduce energy burden, and increase utility access of low-income New Mexicans. On average those living below poverty line pay 15% of their income toward energy bills alone. Bill improves quality of life, health, climate, and futures.
Action NOW:
Contact Consumer and Public Affairs Committee members by email or phone calls before Tuesday’s 1:30 hearing:
To attend meeting to speak or raise your hand in a poll during the Zoom hearing on Tuesday at 1:30. Please click this link to join the webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82353539692
Here is a video from our Advocacy Briefing on Jan. 25, 2022
Hydrogen Bills
IPL is not supportive of the overall concept of hydrogen, but has been working with others on a memorial to address hydrogen. More information on hydrogen energy at 350.org website where you can access a presentation and slides https://350newmexico.org/350nm-presentations/.
Here is a video from our Advocacy Briefing on Jan. 25, 2022
This bill would amend the Radioactive and Nuclear Waste Act, prohibiting the storage or disposal of high level-waste in New Mexico and preventing state agencies from authorizing local permits. NM IPL has engaged with the Holtec storage issue for a number of years. This bill relates to this concern. Sierra Club will offer an overview January 24 at 5:00 with Senator Jeff Steinborn, Don Hancock, and activists that have been working so hard on this specific issue. Click here to RSVP
Exempting Social Security Income From Taxation:FACT SHEET
Solidarity with New Mexico Voices for Children. Half of all seniors-those with low incomes-already pay no income taxes on their Social Security benefits (Individuals earning up to $25,000 or couples earning up to $32,000). And the rest pay only a portion. 87% of value would go to those making more than $50,000. 66% of the value would go to those making more than $75,000. (the top 20% taxpayers.
HB 206 Utility Affordability Act. Full House to vote on bill
“Relating to energy; creating a COVID-19 arrears partial forgiveness program; prohibiting disconnections of utility customers enrolled in the program; mandating utility reporting of customer disconnections, arrears, and households without service; requiring utilities to submit reports on the opportunities for ensuring that energy rates are affordable to all low-income households by 2040; clarifying provisions prohibiting discrimination in utility rates to authorize preferences for low-income customers; enacting the community energy efficiency development block grant act; creating a grant program to implement energy efficiency measures in low-income households; providing power and duties; creating a fund. “
Monday, February 22 8:00 a.m.
HB9 The Climate Solutions Act ensures that historically disadvantaged communities have a seat at the table in implementing a more diversified and resilient economy. HB9 builds on the utility-focused Energy Transition Act to require greenhouse-gas reductions across economic sectors, including in oil and gas and construction.
It would also implement significant equity and fairness measures for job creation and makes permanent a task force created by Gov. Lujan Grisham’s Climate Executive Order that is charged with finding paths to diversify New Mexico’s economy.
SB8 Amending the Air Quality Control Act to allow the promulgation of rules more stringent than federal regulations; amending the hazardous waste act to allow the promulgation of rulles more stringent than federal regulations; amending and repealing sections of the NMSA 1978.
