Federal Climate Rollback Raises Stakes for New Mexico Legislature to Pass the Clear Horizons Act

Rescinding the Endangerment Finding will harm millions of New Mexicans who live through climate impacts each year.

ALBUQUERQUE, NM – As the Trump administration moves to rescind the Environmental Protection Agency’s Endangerment Finding, New Mexico lawmakers face an urgent decision of their own. With federal climate protections being dismantled, the Clear Horizons Act (SB18) represents the state’s best opportunity to ensure long-term planning, protect families from rising costs driven by extreme weather and harmful pollution, and hold major polluters accountable here at home. SB18 will be heard on the Senate floor in the coming hours.

By rescinding the EPA’s Endangerment Finding, which eliminates the agency’s requirement to protect people from the pollution that causes climate change, Trump and EPA administrator Lee Zeldin is removing its responsibility to regulate the pollution that causes climate change – a move that increases risk for states like New Mexico, where wildfire, extended drought, low snow pack, extreme heat, and flooding are already straining household budgets and state finances. Legislative interim committees in 2025 heard presentations that these impacts are costing families, communities and the state more than $4 billion.

“New Mexicans cannot afford to wait for Washington,” said Camilla Feibelman, Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter Director. “The risks are here now. Passing the Clear Horizons Act is how our Legislature ensures that families, farmers, small businesses, and communities are protected regardless of what happens at the federal level.”

In the absence of strong federal safeguards, state leadership becomes even more critical. The Clear Horizons Act provides New Mexico with a transparent, long-term framework to reduce harmful pollution from large industrial sources and manage the economic risks associated with climate instability. Unlike shifting federal policy, SB18 locks in predictability and accountability for communities and businesses alike.

Recent statewide polling shows that 77% of New Mexicans support government action to reduce climate pollution, reflecting broad public support for long-term planning to protect health, affordability, and economic stability.

By claiming climate change – and the pollution that causes it – pose no threat to public health or the environment, Trump and Zeldin are defying mountains of scientific evidence produced in thousands of studies that demonstrate how climate change, fueled by climate pollution, is causing devastating impacts on people’s lives.

Sixteen years ago, the EPA found that carbon pollution, methane, and four other climate pollutants endanger public health, a finding endorsed by both the Supreme Court and by Congress under the Clean Air Act. Trump and Zeldin are ignoring science and the law to hasten their plans to undo pollution limits for power plants, cars, trucks, and other sources of climate pollution.

Trump and Zeldin’s Polluters First Agenda will accelerate the climate crisis, leaving millions of Americans more vulnerable to deadly extreme weather. Health impacts from climate change are already evident: increased asthma attacks and heat-related deaths are becoming more frequent and severe.

Trump shamelessly begged the fossil fuel industry for $1 billion to fund his 2024 campaign and in return he promised to do their bidding. Rescinding this bedrock environmental finding is a win for the fossil fuel industry and a terrible loss for working people.

“Rolling back federal climate protections shifts the costs of pollution onto families and communities,” said Tom Solomon, co-coordinator of 350.org New Mexico. “That’s not what New Mexicans voted for. Families are already stretched thin, and weakening safeguards only increases the risks and expenses they face. The Clear Horizons Act is how New Mexico can protect itself.”

The Clear Horizons Act is supported by a broad coalition of 42 organizations, healthcare professionals, parents, business leaders, and community advocates from across New Mexico who agree that families deserve stability, clean air, and a future they can count on. Coalition members: 350 New Mexico; 350 Santa Fe; American Lung Association in New Mexico; Center for Civic Policy; Citizens Caring for the Future; Climate Cabinet; Coalition for Clean Affordable Energy; Coalition of Sustainable Communities New Mexico; Conservation Voters New Mexico; Devil’s Spring Ranch; Earthworks; E2; EDF Action; Equality New Mexico; GreenLatinos; GRID Alternatives; Healthy Climate New Mexico; Moms Clean Air Force – New Mexico Chapter; Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC); New Mexico & El Paso Interfaith Power and Light; New Mexico Climate Investment Center; NM Native Vote; New Mexico Sustainable Business; New Mexico Voices for Children; NM CAFe; NMVC Action Fund; OLÉ Education Fund, Positive Energy Solar; ProgressNow New Mexico; Prosperity Works; Renewable Energy Industries Association of New Mexico; San Juan Citizens Alliance; Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter; Sovereign Energy; Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP); The Semilla Project; Together for Brothers; Tribal Energy Alternatives; Vote Solar; Western Environmental Law Center; Western Leaders Network; Western Resource Advocates.

ABOUT THE ENDANGERMENT FINDING

The Clean Air Act requires the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to protect people from “any air pollutant from any class or classes of new motor vehicles or new motor vehicle engines” that the agency deems “causes or contributes to air pollution that may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health or welfare.”

In the 2007 landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision Massachusetts vs. EPA, the court found that carbon pollution and other climate-warming pollutants (greenhouse gases) are “air pollutants” as defined by the Clean Air Act. The court directed the EPA to make a final scientific determination whether emissions of these pollutants from new motor vehicles endanger health or welfare.

In 2009, the EPA determined that carbon dioxide, methane, and four other climate pollutants do endanger public health, and that emissions from cars and trucks contribute to that danger. Over the years, EPA has repeatedly reaffirmed that greenhouse gas emissions endanger the public and that pollution from power plants, oil and gas operations, and other sources  contribute to that danger. The EPA’s Endangerment Finding was challenged in court by big oil and gas companies, fossil fuel producers, radical right-wing front groups like the Competitive Enterprise Institute, and red-state political figures. The D.C. Circuit of Appeals upheld the finding based on the overwhelming scientific evidence supporting it. The Supreme Court denied an additional review.

Later Supreme Court decisions have limited the scope of some of EPA’s climate protections. But none of those decisions undermined the original basis for the Endangerment Finding and the EPA’s duty to act under the law.

Read More about the Endangerment Finding from NRDC’s David Doniger HERE and EDF’s Peter Zalzal HERE.

Second Senate Committee Advances Clear Horizons Act as Smart Planning for New Mexico Businesses and Families

 Supporters highlight affordability, business certainty, and protection for outdoor recreation economy

SANTA FE, N.M. – Today, the Senate Tax, Business and Transportation Committee advanced the Clear Horizons Act (SB 18) on a 6-4 vote, moving New Mexico closer to a long-term planning framework that provides certainty for businesses, protects family budgets, and supports stable economic growth across the state.

The Clear Horizons Act establishes statewide pollution reduction goals and directs state agencies to plan responsibly for economic growth, energy demand, and long-term stability – without imposing new taxes or direct costs on households. Supporters emphasized that planning ahead gives businesses clear rules to invest confidently while helping protect New Mexicans from rising costs tied to pollution, extreme weather, and unmanaged energy growth.

“New Mexico businesses need stability and predictability to grow,” said Susan Nedell, Senior Western Advocate at E2. “The Clear Horizons Act provides clear, long-term goals that help companies plan investments, create jobs, and keep New Mexico competitive. Our clean energy sector already employs more than 14,000 New Mexicans and is growing many times faster than the rest of the state’s economy – this bill helps protect and build on that momentum.”

Supporters also noted that the pollution reduction goals in the Clear Horizons Act are not new or untested. Many large oil and gas corporations operating in New Mexico have already announced corporate climate targets that align with the bill’s goals, demonstrating that these limits are achievable and consistent with long-term industry planning. The Clear Horizons Act provides transparency and accountability so those commitments translate into real-world results and benefits for New Mexican families.

Outdoor recreation leaders highlighted the importance of clean air, healthy landscapes, and predictable seasons to their livelihoods, particularly in rural and gateway communities where climate impacts are already being felt.

“My family has made a living from taking people fly fishing in New Mexico for over 40 years. Our business has survived plenty of hardships in that time, but the one thing that keeps me up at night is the effects of climate change on our livelihoods,” said Nick Streit, owner of Taos Fly Shop. “Catastrophic forest fires, droughts and floods have become the new normal. The Clear Horizons Act is a meaningful step in the right direction to help outdoor recreation businesses like mine have a fighting chance.”

Small business advocates stressed that affordability and long-term planning are essential as families and employers navigate rising costs and ongoing economic uncertainty.

“Certainty is the key for stability in all sizes of business. Small businesses are already dealing with higher insurance costs, supply disruptions, and uncertainty caused by extreme weather,” said Glenn Schiffbauer, executive director of New Mexico Sustainable Business. “The Clear Horizons Act gives New Mexico a responsible framework to reduce pollution while providing the certainty businesses need to invest, grow, and support their workers without passing unpredictable costs onto families.”

Supporters noted that the Clear Horizons Act focuses on large industrial sources of pollution and aligns New Mexico with more than 20 states that have already put similar long-term climate goals into law. By planning ahead, the bill helps avoid costly emergency responses while supporting steady, affordable economic growth.

The Clear Horizons Act now moves to the full Senate for a floor debate and vote.

Recent statewide polling shows that a strong majority – 77% – of New Mexicans support government action to reduce climate pollution, underscoring that the Clear Horizons Act aligns with voter priorities across the state.

The Clear Horizons Act is supported by a broad coalition of 42 organizations, healthcare professionals, parents, business leaders, and community advocates from across New Mexico who agree that families deserve stability, clean air, and a future they can count on. Coalition members: 350 New Mexico; 350 Santa Fe; American Lung Association in New Mexico; Center for Civic Policy; Citizens Caring for the Future; Climate Cabinet; Coalition for Clean Affordable Energy; Coalition of Sustainable Communities New Mexico; Conservation Voters New Mexico; Devil’s Spring Ranch; Earthworks; E2; EDF Action; Equality New Mexico; GreenLatinos; GRID Alternatives; Healthy Climate New Mexico; Moms Clean Air Force – New Mexico Chapter; Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC); New Mexico & El Paso Interfaith Power and Light; New Mexico Climate Investment Center; New Mexico Native Vote; New Mexico Sustainable Business; New Mexico Voices for Children; NM CAFe; NMVC Action Fund; OLÉ Education Fund, Positive Energy Solar; ProgressNow New Mexico; Prosperity Works; Renewable Energy Industries Association of New Mexico; San Juan Citizens Alliance; Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter; Sovereign Energy; Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP); The Semilla Project; Together for Brothers; Tribal Energy Alternatives; Vote Solar; Western Environmental Law Center; Western Leaders Network; Western Resource Advocates.

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Clear Horizons Act Advances in Senate Conservation Committee as Leaders Emphasize Planning Ahead to Protect New Mexico’s Land and Communities

Legislation provides responsible framework to reduce pollution, protect air, land, and water, and avoid rising costs

SANTA FE, N.M. – The Clear Horizons Act advanced today in the Senate Conservation Committee on a 5-4 vote after a high-turnout hearing moved to the Senate floor to accommodate public interest. Lawmakers heard two hours of public comment, including a full hour of testimony from supporters.

Forty-one New Mexicans from across the state spoke in support of the bill, highlighting shared priorities around affordability, public health, economic stability, and responsible planning. Testimony underscored the broad and diverse support for a long-term framework to reduce harmful pollution while providing certainty for communities and businesses.

“New Mexicans deserve a future of clear skies, breathable air, affordable clean energy and a thriving economy,” said AnnaLinden Weller, senior policy advisor at Western Resource Advocates. “The Clear Horizons Act helps make that future a reality. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the state’s economy we can mitigate climate impacts like extreme heat and drought, hold corporate polluters to account and secure healthier futures for our communities and the environment.”

Supporters emphasized that the bill is rooted in accountability and respects the importance of New Mexico’s landscapes and cultural heritage.

“For Indigenous communities, caring for the land, water, air and all our natural resources is about responsibility to future generations,” said Ahtza Chavez, Executive Director of NM Native Vote. “The Clear Horizons Act helps ensure that decisions made today protect our air, land, and communities tomorrow, while giving the public a voice in how those decisions are made.”

Community advocates also spoke to the real-world impacts of pollution and the need for thoughtful, long-term solutions.

“Families and communities across New Mexico are already living with the costs and consequences of pollution,” said Haley Jones, Citizens Caring for the Future. “They show up in our health, our quality of life, and our ability to simply enjoy where we live. Everyone deserves to have clean air to breathe.”

Clean energy leaders noted that clear planning and accountability are essential to protecting New Mexico’s air, land, and water while supporting a modern energy system.

“The Clear Horizons Act is about planning ahead so families are not stuck paying more later,” said Itzel Rios-Vega, Vote Solar. “As New Mexico manages growing energy demand and rising costs, proven tools like distributed solar can help reduce long-term expenses while supporting reliability and affordability.”

“The Clear Horizons Act is about protecting what matters most, our kids, our communities, and the land they depend on,” said Berenice Estrada, Political Director at The Semilla Project. “Across New Mexico, families are already feeling the cost of pollution in our lungs, our water, and our rising energy bills. But it’s our children who are paying the highest price. They need clean air to breathe, safe water to drink, and access to the outdoors to grow, heal, and thrive. This bill is about accountability, making sure big polluters don’t pass their mess onto the rest of us. And it’s about vision: laying down a clear path toward a future where our land, water, and air are protected for generations to come. Every young person in New Mexico deserves to explore the outdoors, to feel safe in their environment, and to know that we planned ahead for them.”

The Clear Horizons Act codifies New Mexico’s existing climate pollution reduction goals into law and provides state agencies with clear authority to measure, track, and guide progress over time. The bill focuses on large industrial sources of pollution.

Following today’s vote, the Clear Horizons Act will continue through the legislative process to the Senate Tax, Business, and Transportation Committee, as supporters urge lawmakers to keep New Mexico on a path that prioritizes responsible planning, environmental stewardship, and community protection.

Recent statewide polling shows that a strong majority – 77% – of New Mexicans support government action to reduce climate pollution, underscoring that the Clear Horizons Act aligns with voter priorities across the state.

The Clear Horizons Act is supported by a broad coalition of 42 organizations, healthcare professionals, parents, business leaders, and community advocates from across New Mexico who agree that families deserve stability, clean air, and a future they can count on. Coalition members: 350 New Mexico; 350 Santa Fe; American Lung Association in New Mexico; Center for Civic Policy; Citizens Caring for the Future; Climate Cabinet; Coalition for Clean Affordable Energy; Coalition of Sustainable Communities New Mexico; Conservation Voters New Mexico; Devil’s Spring Ranch; Earthworks; E2; EDF Action; Equality New Mexico; GreenLatinos; GRID Alternatives; Healthy Climate New Mexico; Moms Clean Air Force – New Mexico Chapter; Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC); New Mexico & El Paso Interfaith Power and Light; New Mexico Climate Investment Center; New Mexico Native Vote; New Mexico Sustainable Business; New Mexico Voices for Children; NM CAFe; NMVC Action Fund; OLÉ Education Fund, Positive Energy Solar; ProgressNow New Mexico; Prosperity Works; Renewable Energy Industries Association of New Mexico; San Juan Citizens Alliance; Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter; Sovereign Energy; Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP); The Semilla Project; Together for Brothers; Tribal Energy Alternatives; Vote Solar; Western Environmental Law Center; Western Leaders Network; Western Resource Advocates.

The population explosion of Culex mosquitoes, which carry serious and debilitating diseases such as West Nile virus, are directly linked to climate change, according to a study by Los Alamos National Laboratory. The 2024 study found that rising temperatures increased these populations, which are quickly spreading towards the poles across the Western hemisphere.

The bill seeks funding to monitor mosquitoes, which could help control the spread of diseases.

Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter Dir. Camilla Feibelman spoke to the committee about her own experience (link to video) with mosquito-borne illness. She contracted dengue when she was working in Puerto Rico as the founding staffer for the Sierra Club Chapter there. Now, that same disease could appear more prolifically here in New Mexico.

“This is a price of climate change,” she said. “And we need to decide whether we will pay that price with our health and our families’ health. Or if we’ll opt to take action.”

Now, this aggressive species of mosquito is taking over backyards throughout New Mexico. The species survives in the smallest amount of standing water and persists into late fall. A warming climate allows the mosquito to thrive deeper in the Western hemisphere, from pole-to-pole.

The legislation was introduced by Sen. Nicole Tobiassen (R-Albuquerque).

Tobiassen said the bill was not to comment on the cause of increased mosquito populations, but to monitor their spread in service of efforts to control it.

It is not too late to turn the corner on climate change in New Mexico. The Clear Horizons Act will reset the emissions of greenhouse pollution in the state to net-zero by 2050. It needs your support! Sign our petition at https://sc.org/clear-horizons today.

Contacts:
Camilla Feibelman, Director, Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter, camilla.feibelman@sierraclub.org
Bill Rodgers, Communications Assoc., Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter, bill.rodgers@sierraclub.org

Additional References

Climate change might prompt more mosquitoes to move into New Mexico, SourceNM

LANL study looks at climate change impact on mosquitoes, KOB TV

Projections of Aedes and Culex mosquitoes across North and South America in response to climate change, Journal of Climate Change and Health

Clear Horizons Act Introduced to Protect New Mexico Families from Rising Costs

Coalition applauds legislation as long-term plan to stabilize costs, protect health, and hold major polluters accountable

SANTA FE, N.M. – Yesterday, lawmakers formally introduced the Clear Horizons Act (Senate Bill 18), a plan to provide long-term planning, stability, and accountability from the harmful effects of polluting industries. As New Mexican families continue to face rising costs associated with the waste and byproducts of polluting industries, leaders in Santa Fe are responding with actionable legislation.

The Clear Horizons Act (Senate Bill 18) responds to the real and growing costs New Mexicans are already paying as extreme weather becomes more frequent and severe. New data presented to legislators during the interim shows that climate-driven disasters are placing increasing strain on both household budgets and state finances.

“In just the last year, New Mexico has spent more than $256 million responding to fires, floods, and other climate-driven disasters – and the fiscal year isn’t even over,” said Adrian Avila, Principal Fiscal Analyst for the New Mexico Senate Majority Office during a presentation to the Water and Natural Resources Interim Committee in November. “The frequency of these events is increasing, and without a long-term plan, the costs will continue to rise.”

Sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Mimi Stewart, Senator Angel Charley, and Representatives Kristina Ortez and Andrea Romero, the Clear Horizons Act would codify New Mexico’s existing climate pollution reduction goals into law and provide state agencies with clear authority to measure, track, and guide progress – offering certainty for families, workers, communities, and businesses planning for the future.

“New Mexico families are already paying the price of climate change – through higher insurance bills, rising energy costs, and the everyday expenses that come with extreme weather,” said Sen. Mimi Stewart. “The Clear Horizons Act gives our state a responsible, long-term plan to protect families, support local jobs, and ensure major polluters do their fair share. This bill is about planning ahead instead of paying more later.”

Community leaders from regions long impacted by pollution and economic uncertainty said the Clear Horizons Act is an important step toward protecting families and planning responsibly for the future.

“Communities in northwest New Mexico have lived for decades with the health, environmental, and economic impacts of pollution,” said Mike Eisenfeld, San Juan Citizens Alliance, based in Farmington. “The Clear Horizons Act gives our state a chance to plan responsibly, protect families, and make sure large polluters are held accountable for the costs of pollution. We need solutions that look ahead and give our communities stability and certainty for the future.”

Health, business, and family advocates across New Mexico welcomed the bill’s introduction as a necessary step to protect communities and stabilize long-term costs.

“From wildfire smoke to extreme heat, climate pollution is already harming the health of New Mexico families and driving up healthcare costs,” said Dr. Kristin L. Graziano, Family Physician and Board Member of Healthy Climate New Mexico. “The Clear Horizons Act gives our state a clear path to reduce pollution, protect patients, and prevent avoidable illness – especially for children, seniors, and people with chronic conditions.”

Business leaders emphasized that clear, consistent policy is essential for economic stability and investment.

“New Mexico’s clean economy has grown by 27% since 2020; the second highest job growth rate in the nation this decade,” said Susan Nedell, Senior Western Advocate at E2. “The Clear Horizons Act provides the long-term certainty companies need to continue investing in the state, keeping New Mexico competitive while protecting families from rising costs.”

Parents and caregivers underscored the importance of clean air and a safer future for the next generation.

“Parents across New Mexico want their kids to grow up breathing clean air and living in healthy communities,” said Giovanna Rossi of Moms Clean Air Force New Mexico. “The Clear Horizons Act helps protect children from the impacts of pollution and extreme weather while giving families confidence that the state is planning responsibly for the future.”

Supporters noted that the Clear Horizons Act focuses on large industrial sources of pollution and helps reduce the pollution that worsens wildfire smoke, extreme heat, and poor air quality.

Recent statewide polling shows that a strong majority – 77% – of New Mexicans support government action to reduce climate pollution, underscoring that the Clear Horizons Act aligns with voter priorities across the state.

The Clear Horizons Act is supported by a broad coalition of 41 organizations, healthcare professionals, parents, business leaders, and community advocates from across New Mexico who agree that families deserve stability, clean air, and a future they can count on. Coalition members: 350 New Mexico; American Lung Association in New Mexico; Center for Civic Policy; Citizens Caring for the Future; Climate Cabinet; Coalition for Clean Affordable Energy; Coalition of Sustainable Communities New Mexico; Conservation Voters New Mexico; Devil’s Spring Ranch; Earthworks; E2; Environmental Defense Fund; Equality New Mexico; GreenLatinos; GRID Alternatives; Healthy Climate New Mexico; Moms Clean Air Force – New Mexico Chapter; New Mexico & El Paso Interfaith Power and Light; New Mexico Climate Investment Center; New Mexico Native Vote; New Mexico Sustainable Business; New Mexico Voices for Children; NM CAFe; NMVC Action Fund; OLÉ Education Fund, Positive Energy Solar; ProgressNow New Mexico; Prosperity Works; Renewable Energy Industries Association of New Mexico; San Juan Citizens Alliance; Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter; Sovereign Energy; Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP); The Semilla Project; Together for Brothers; Tribal Energy Alternatives; Vote Solar; Western Environmental Law Center; Western Leaders Network; Western Resource Advocates.

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The first legislative session of Gov. Michelle Luján Grisham’s term began eight years of progress on addressing the climate crisis.

In 2019, the governor addressed a group of 400 attending the Climate Summit we planned with a host of other groups to launch the first legislative session of her term. She laid out a vision of reducing emissions from the oil and gas industry, the electric sector, transportation and buildings. She joined other mayors and governors in meeting the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement that President Trump had abandoned.

The next day, the governor signed this vision into reality with the third executive order of her administration, surrounded by the kid members of our after-school climate action program, the Global Warming Express. By the end of that session we had passed the Energy Transition Act, which would lead the state’s utilities and coops to dramatically increase their use of renewables to generate electricity while softening the blow of the San Juan coal-fired power plant closing PNM had announced a few years earlier.

The Administration later passed clean cars and trucks rules and updated our building codes twice to drive energy efficiency. In 2021, Senate Leader Peter Wirth, D-Santa Fe, led the passage of a little noticed but absolutely pivotal bill that allowed the state to adopt clean air standards more stringent than federal requirements. This meant that over the next several years, the administration could adopt oil and gas, methane and smog-pollution safeguards that led the nation. Our state rules helped push the federal government to make even stronger methane rules than it otherwise might have.

The trouble was the Permian oil boom. While lagging momentarily in oil extraction at the beginning of the pandemic, the basin in southeastern NM bounced back, becoming the second most abundant extractor in the country only after Texas (with 25% fewer workers because of automation). With the sheer number of wells, even with reduced leaking, venting and flaring of methane gas throughout the oil and gas fields, we are ever further from meeting our state climate commitments.

In response to this challenge the New Mexico Environment Department, in collaboration with a host of other agencies and stakeholders, has now published a Climate Action Plan that will help the state take the action necessary to urgently meet our goals. To ensure those plans and possibilities survive a change of administration in 2027, we urgently need to put the governor’s greenhouse-gas reduction goals into law and provide the Environment Department with the firm authority it needs to regulate climate pollutants.

This leads us to 2026 and its 30-day legislative session, the last for Governor Luján Grisham. This administration, legislature and grassroots supporters have achieved so much, from decriminalizing abortion to establishing free pre-K, all while stabilizing impacts from the boom-and-bust fossil fuel economy and protecting us from global collapse. That was done by investing royalty income in interest-earning accounts to supply the state with revenue for years to come without actually having to continue extraction. Though we haven’t agreed on everything with this administration, we’ve made real progress on protecting the climate together. Now is the time to ensure the durability of this climate action legacy. Here’s what to expect in the upcoming session.

Climate and energy

State Sen. Mimi Stewart, D-Albuquerque, and House Rep. Kristina Ortez, D-Taos, will introduce legislation to put the state’s climate goals into law, allow the Environment Department to do greenhouse gas rulemaking and require enforcement of these rules. Last session, we passed legislation providing over $200 million in climate solutions and just economic transition funds to be spent over three years for things like grid modernization, home weatherization and efficiency, and renewable energy and storage build-out. We’ll advocate for the appropriation of further funds for these purposes.

Water

High on the priority list is ensuring all of New Mexico’s water agencies are appropriately resourced. Without this, we can’t meet the challenges ahead. Priorities for one-time funding include the River Stewardship program, critical to restoring the state’s rivers and habitats; $15 million for the Strategic Water Reserve, which completes water rights transactions to keep more water in New Mexico’s rivers and streams; $3.5 million for the state-led surface water quality permitting program authorized by SB 21 in 2025; and $5 million for regional water planning, which provides a mechanism for communities who know their waters best to be involved in statewide water planning.

Lands

We’ll support improving the way the $350 million Legacy Permanent Fund is invested, increasing distributions to Legacy Fund programs from $12.5 million to $20 million annually, more than four years ahead of schedule.

Photo: Climate activist at March 6 Climate Crisis Day rally. Photo by David McGahey

An idea pushed for decades to better ensure New Mexico’s waters are protected awaits the Governor’s signature. SB 21, sponsored by state Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth, D-Santa Fe, Sen. Roberto Gonzales, D-Ranchos De Taos, and Rep. Kristina Ortez, D-Taos, includes three mechanisms to better ensure our most precious resource is protected against pollution and degradation.

First, the bill provides authority for the state Environment Department to take over the issuing of permits for those federally protected waters under the Clean Water Act. Known as “primacy,” New Mexico is one of only three states in the nation to leave this to the Environmental Protection Agency and taking it over has been a discussion for years.

Pushing this idea further was the rollback of federal protections in the US Supreme Court decision, Sackett v. EPA. This decision redefined what is covered by the Clean Water Act and left over 95% of New Mexico’s waterways open to pollution and degradation. American Rivers named all of New Mexico’s rivers the most endangered in the nation in 2024 because of this decision.

Although New Mexico has water quality standards in place, meaning the Environment Department is able to react to a pollution event after it occurs, the state’s waters remain vulnerable without the ability to permit water uses to proactively prevent these events from occurring. As water quantity declines, with a 25% reduction in overall supply expected over the next 50 years, it becomes harder to deal with these pollution events and underscores the need to prevent them before they occur. SB 21 puts in place a state-led permitting program to protect the vast majority of New Mexico’s waters with no federal protection under the Clean Water Act.

The bill also adds needed authorities and creates a fund to clean contaminated groundwater sites. Many of these have been neglected and abandoned for decades with no clear responsible party, and they also don’t qualify for federal cleanup funds.

The bill had a long path through the legislature, with three committees on the Senate side, which included a long list of amendments to better align the state program to the Clean Water Act and sufficiently define liability around contaminated groundwater sites. There also were floor amendments on the Senate side addressing industry concerns, and two further committees on the House side. All this vetting has created a strong bill that balances the needs of industry with sufficiently protecting New Mexico’s water quality.

This effort has been strongly supported by the Rio Grande Chapter and a broad coalition of environmental, community health, and Tribal community groups. To date, the bill passed the Senate with a 25-16 vote and the House with a 43-25 vote, and awaits the Governor’s signature, who highlighted this effort in her 50-year water action plan.

Photo: Red River, 2019, photo by Billy Hathorn via Wikimedia 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 19, 2025

Statewide Coalition Applauds House for Sending Direct Investments to Strengthen Communities to the Governor’s Desk

Pro Tem Mimi Stewart’s Senate Bill 48 invests directly in local projects that create jobs, support families, and strengthen the communities most impacted by climate change

[Santa Fe, NM] – Today, Clear Horizons New Mexico, a statewide coalition of environmental, social justice, and conservation advocates from 35 organizations and businesses across New Mexico, applauds the House of Representatives for passing the Community Benefit Fund (Senate Bill 48) 39-26 and sending it to the Governor’s desk The Community Benefit Fund would invest $210 million in local economies across the state.

While the cost of inaction on climate change is skyrocketing – the state has already allocated nearly $150 million in 2024 alone for disaster relief from climate-driven wildfires, droughts, and floods – the Community Benefit Fund is a proactive investment that will build resilience to the same threats while creating jobs and new opportunities in villages, towns, and cities across New Mexico.

“The Community Benefit Fund is a forward-looking investment that puts communities in the driver’s seat. This fund will give communities the resources and tools that they need to reduce pollution, create high quality, family-supporting jobs, and modernize infrastructure for a resilient future. With $210 million in funding, this initiative prioritizes locally driven solutions and addresses real needs,” said House Majority Floor Leader Representative Reena Szczepanski during her introduction of SB48 for debate.

 The Community Benefit Fund (Senate Bill 48) would invest $210 million in communities that have been disproportionately impacted by climate change, providing resources for workforce development and retraining, renewable energy and infrastructure projects, energy efficiency upgrades, and other projects that reduce carbon pollution all while building a sustainable economy.

The 2025 Conservation in the West poll found that 77% of New Mexicans support the government taking action to reduce carbon and methane pollution that contribute to climate change. This is unsurprising given the various ways climate change impacts New Mexicans and the state as a whole, including more severe wildfires and floods, extended droughts that limit water supplies, and more extreme weather events and heat.

“Just last month we had a major oil and gas producer in the state announce that it’s going to reduce up to 20% of its workforce, and so these are all opportunities for workforce training for developing new skills, for ensuring that our communities are taking advantage of some of the incredible higher education institutions and workforce development programs that we have so that they’re landing on their feet and really getting ahead of it,” Representative Sarah Silva said Wednesday about SB48 in the debate. “I feel we’ve gone through a couple of dress rehearsals now and putting that learning into practice with this major investment is going to pay off for our communities.”

Among the Community Benefit Funds investments are:

• $7.8 million to the Economic Development Department to diversify the state’s economy
• $15 million to the Community Energy Efficiency Development (CEED) Block Grant Fund
• $70 million to Grid Modernization Grant Fund
• $8 million to the State Supplemental Land and Water Conservation Fund for the Outdoor Equity Fund
• $40 million to the Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department
• $10 million to the Department of Workforce Solutions
• $60 million to the Public Schools Facilities Authority

Background

The Community Benefit Fund, formally made up of Senate Bills 48 & 49, are two of a suite of four bills to address climate change that Senate President Pro Tempore of the Senate Senator Mimi Stewart introduced in the 2025 legislative session. The suite includes Senate Bill 4, the Clear Horizons Act, and Senate Bill 83, the Innovation in State Government Fund. Senate Bill 4 would have provided the critical framework, tools and resources New Mexico needs to hold polluters accountable and protect communities from the worst impacts of climate change.

• The Community Benefit Fund (Senate Bills 48 & 49), both passed the Senate Conservation Committee on 5-3. Senate Bill 48 passed the Senate Finance Committee on 7-4 do-pass vote, while its companion bill Senate Bill 49 that houses the funding remains in the committee, waiting to be absorbed into the state budget bill, House Bill 2. Senate Bill 48 passed the Senate 25-13, the House Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Committee 6-4 and and the House Appropriations and Finance Committee 9-6.
• The Innovation in State Government Fund (Senate Bill 83) passed the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee 5-4, the Senate Finance Committee 6-3, and the Senate 26-14. Senate Bill 83 passed the House Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Committee 5-2 and the House Appropriations and Finance Committee 9-6.
• The Clear Horizons Act (Senate Bill 4) passed the Senate Conservation Committee 5-4 and the Senate Finance Committee tabled the bill with a 6-5 vote.

The Clear Horizons New Mexico Coalition is a partnership of New Mexicans across the state from 35 climate, equity, social justice, and conservation organizations and businesses that are raising their voice in unison for climate action in the Land of Enchantment. At Clear Horizons, we celebrate our promise and commitment to keeping New Mexico beautiful and prosperous for everyone, now and in the future. Organizations and businesses include: 350 New Mexico, American Lung Association in New Mexico, Center for Civic Policy, Coalition for Clean Affordable Energy, Coalition of Sustainable Communities New Mexico, Conservation Voters New Mexico, Creciendo Nuevo Mexico, Devil’s Spring Ranch, E2 – Environmental Entrepreneurs, Earthworks, Environmental Defense Fund, GreenLatinos, GRID Alternatives, Healthy Climate New Mexico, Moms Clean Air Force New Mexico chapter, NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council), New Mexico & El Paso Interfaith Power and Light, NM CAFe, NM Climate Investment Center, NM Native Vote, New Mexico Sustainable Business, New Mexico Voices for Children, NMVC Action Fund, Positive Energy Solar, ProgressNow New Mexico, Prosperity Works, Renewable Energy Industries Association of NM, San Juan Citizens Alliance, Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter, Sovereign Energy, SWEEP (Southwest Energy Efficiency Project), the Semilla Project, Western Environmental Law Center, Western Leaders Network, and Western Resource Advocates.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, March 20, 2025

SB83 Clears Final Legislative Hurdle, Heads to Governor’s Desk to Drive Innovation and Job Growth in New Mexico

Statewide coalition applauds forward-looking investments in job creation and economic diversification 

[Santa Fe, NM] – Senate Bill 83 has officially cleared its final legislative hurdle, passing the New Mexico House 31-25 and heading to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s desk. This legislation establishes the Innovation in State Government Fund, equipping state agencies with the resources to develop and implement forward-thinking policies that drive economic growth, create jobs, and modernize government operations. With strong support from lawmakers and advocates, SB83 represents a bold investment of $13.5 million in New Mexico’s future, ensuring the state remains a leader in innovation and sustainability.

The Innovation in State Government Fund (Senate Bill 83), sponsored by Senate Pro Tem Mimi Stewart and Senator Heather Berghmans, is a key element for growing new job opportunities for New Mexicans in a more stable, diversified economy. Senate Bill 83:

• Invests in workforce by funding comprehensive training programs for highly skilled roles in emerging industries
• Promotes a variety of economic activities to lessen reliance on industries that extract natural resources, helping to stabilize the state’s economy
• Strengthens the capacity of state agencies to reduce pollution and boost clean energy initiatives
• Ensures accountability with annual reports on progress

“The Innovation in State Government Fund will give our state agencies the ability to develop innovative solutions to achieve net-zero emissions and transition to a clean energy economy in New Mexico,” says Representative Kristina Ortez, who co-sponsored SB83 and presented it on the House floor Thursday. “We all see the disastrous fires, decreased snowpack, persistent drought, and rising temperatures. This new fund will empower us to take a proactive approach to fighting climate change, while ensuring our energy workforce and infrastructure remain resilient.”

Innovation in State Government Fund (SB83) and the Community Benefit Fund (SB48) work together to advance New Mexico’s climate resilience and economic growth. SB48 directs investments to communities impacted by climate change, supporting clean energy, and creating jobs. SB83 equips state agencies with resources to implement smart, forward-thinking policies. These bills ensure New Mexico isn’t only reacting to challenges but leading with proactive solutions that strengthen communities and drive sustainable economic progress.

“Local elected officials want a clean energy future and good-paying jobs for their communities and constituents,” says Jessica Pace, Interim Executive Director at Western Leaders Network. “The Innovation in State Government Fund will help achieve both by providing $13.5 million to state agencies to implement and enforce innovative climate solutions and policies. SB 83 is essential to advancing the clean energy transition, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and building the workforce that will guide New Mexico to a more sustainable and prosperous future.”

The Clear Horizons New Mexico Coalition is a partnership of New Mexicans across the state from 35 climate, equity, social justice, and conservation organizations and businesses that are raising their voice in unison for climate action in the Land of Enchantment. At Clear Horizons, we celebrate our promise and commitment to keeping New Mexico beautiful and prosperous for everyone, now and in the future. Organizations and businesses include: 350 New Mexico, American Lung Association in New Mexico, Center for Civic Policy, Coalition for Clean Affordable Energy, Coalition of Sustainable Communities New Mexico, Conservation Voters New Mexico, Creciendo Nuevo Mexico, Devil’s Spring Ranch, E2 – Environmental Entrepreneurs, Earthworks, Environmental Defense Fund, GreenLatinos, GRID Alternatives, Healthy Climate New Mexico, Moms Clean Air Force New Mexico chapter, NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council), New Mexico & El Paso Interfaith Power and Light, NM CAFe, NM Climate Investment Center, NM Native Vote, New Mexico Sustainable Business, New Mexico Voices for Children, NMVC Action Fund, Positive Energy Solar, ProgressNow New Mexico, Prosperity Works, Renewable Energy Industries Association of NM, San Juan Citizens Alliance, Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter, Sovereign Energy, SWEEP (Southwest Energy Efficiency Project), the Semilla Project, Western Environmental Law Center, Western Leaders Network, and Western Resource Advocates.

Learn more about why advocates are supporting these vital investments in local projects and jobs growth at ClearHorizonsNM.org.

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