The Rio Grande Chapter of the Sierra Club on Thursday announced that it has endorsed Teresa Leger Fernandez for the open U.S. House seat in New Mexico’s Third Congressional District.
PRC should choose 100% renewables and storage to replace San Juan coal

On Tuesday, several Public Regulation Commission members listened to comments from dozens of New Mexicans asking for a full transition away from dirty San Juan coal electricity to renewable energy.
Tuesday’s PRC hearing addressed what resources should replace the San Juan coal-fired electricity that PNM plans to stop using in 2022. The commission has separated that case from the one regarding whether it will allow PNM to exit the coal plant and how the exit will be financed.
Xcel Rate Case Agreement Includes a Commitment to Retire Texas Coal-Fired Power Plant

The Sierra Club joined an uncontested comprehensive agreement in a proceeding before the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission, which will determine whether Xcel Energy can change electricity rates. The agreement includes commitments by Xcel Energy, a subsidiary of Southwestern Public Service Company (SPS) to retire the 1,050 megawatt, coal-fired Tolk power plant in Texas in 2032.
Rio Grande Chapter statement on Escalante coal plant closing

Tri-State Generation and Transmission, owner of the Escalante coal-fired power plant in McKinley County, announced that it will close the plant this year. Additionally, Tri-State said it will commit $5 million in transition funds for the community impacted by Escalante’s shuttering. Our response urges them to increase its transition funding.
Early 2020 Endorsements for Environmental Champions

The Rio Grande Chapter of the Sierra Club issued its early 2020 endorsements of incumbent legislators who are leading environmental champions. There are many legislators with excellent environmental voting records, however, this list is limited to those candidates who also were sponsors of the Sierra Club’s priority bills.