fbpx
Sierra Club statement on PNM abandonment filing

For immediate release: July 1, 2019

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

In response to PNM’s abandonment filing at the Public Regulation Commission on Monday, Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter Director Camilla Feibelman released the following statement:

PNM has proposed four scenarios for replacement power in the landmark abandonment of San Juan Generation’s polluting coal power.

We are looking forward to participating in the PRC process and doing our own modeling to find the best scenario for the climate, workers and impacted communities. The commission process will provide opportunities for us to analyze the best mix of replacement power. What is clear is keeping San Juan Generating Station open is the most costly option for our state.

Renewable energy creates jobs. Replacing one dirty fuel in San Juan County with another isn’t the answer. Utilities have resisted breaking away from the outdated utility model of the past, but science and economics tell us we can and must stop burning fossil fuels now. This is an opportunity to start fresh with clean, affordable solar and wind.

The Energy Transition Act paved the path forward. New Mexico can create jobs with clean, renewable energy in the Four Corners, at affordable rates. That’s what we will advocate for in this process.

More information

Sierra Club study showing that renewable energy plus storage is the lowest-cost option for replacing San Juan coal power.

PNM rates and filings (statements and supporting documentation)

###

Sierra Club statement on PNM abandonment filing