Innovation in State Government Funds (Senate Bill 83) Gets Do Pass in First House Committee

[Santa Fe, NM] – Today, the Innovation in State Government Fund (Senate Bill 83) passed the House Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Committee 5-2.

The Innovation in State Government Fund (Senate Bill 83), sponsored by Senate Pro Tem Mimi Stewart, strengthens state capacity by equipping agencies with the resources and expertise needed to lead in sustainable energy innovation. This is a key element for growing new job opportunities for New Mexicans in a more stable, diversified economy. Senate Bill 83:

Creates a fund and appropriates $10 million to its purpose
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

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced an executive order to expedite New Mexico’s transition to a clean energy economy and address the critical need for infrastructure development across the state in September 2024. Senate Pro Tem Mimi Stewart pointed out during the committee hearing that Senate Bill 83 will support agencies as they work to achieve this task.

“An important point to be made with this bill is that it supports climate related job creation,” said Travis Kellerman, the Governor’s Senior Climate Advisor during public comment in support of Senate Bill 83. “This is something we initiated last year with the executive order that created thousands of apprenticeships across the state related to a climate ready workforce. It unlocks new federal and private investments in these positions and sets us up to be competitive to gain this funding. It’s time to build more economic resilience with the agency resources and planning in this bill.”

Taken together, the Innovation in State Government Fund, the Community Benefit Fund (Senate Bill 48) and the Clear Horizons Act (Senate Bill 4) will provide the regulatory certainty, financial investment, and state capacity needed to build a sustainable, resilient future for New Mexico. These important bills are sponsored by President Pro Tempore of the Senate, Senator Stewart. The Innovation in Government Fund passed the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee 6-4, the Senate Finance Committee 6-3 and the Senate 26-14.

“By developing strategic plans at the executive level to ensure as we look to address climate change, we preserve our cultural heritage while also understanding that there is a need for clean, sustainable jobs,” said Teran Villa with NM Native Vote during public comment in support of SB83.

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 below:

“An important step on our journey towards a cleaner, more resilient future is ensuring that our state government is equipped with the tools and expertise needed to drive innovation and growth. The Innovation in State Government Fund is a vital investment in New Mexico’s potential, empowering our agencies to lead the way in sustainable energy solutions and creating a brighter future for families across the state,” said Michael Leon Guerrero, sustainable economy policy advisor at the Center for Civic Policy.

“We are working with our coalition of local cities and counties to create and implement programs that strengthen economic opportunities for local families through energy efficiency and clean energy”, says Christian Casillas, Executive Director of the Coalition of Sustainable Communities New Mexico. “SB83 appropriates $10 million to create comprehensive workforce training programs for our constituents and strengthen state agency capacity, ensuring we have informed, strong partners at the state level.”

“With the loss of clean energy funding generated by the Biden administration’s Agenda for America programs, the states will have to ensure continuity in helping plan for the energy transition and assist development of the new workforce that clean technology companies are looking for,” says Demis Foster, CEO of Conservation Voters New Mexico. SB 83 is a good first step in supporting community resilience in the face of extreme weather for a thriving New Mexico.”

“New Mexicans deserve clean water, clean air and to be protected from the harms of climate change. The Innovation in State Government Fund gives state agencies the resources they need to deliver on that promise,” says Michael Bueno, Senior Manager, State Climate Policy and Strategy at EDF Action. “At a time of federal disinvestment in climate and environmental policies, state agencies need funds like these to better serve the public.”

“We are in an unprecedented time, and nuestros comunidades face uncertainty and a lack of protections from our federal government. Investing in our state’s agencies is essential to ensuring that we can lead the region in our growing clean energy economy. New Mexico has an opportunity to be an example for sustainability in the United States and the rest of the world,” says Carlos Matutes, New Mexico Community Advocate for GreenLatinos.

“The health of all New Mexicans, especially our most vulnerable populations, is dependent on implementing strong climate solutions and policies that support sustainable, resilient communities. SB 83 will help to provide state agencies with essential resources for implementation and enforcement of these positive solutions so that we can achieve our public health and safety goals, says Shelley Mann-Lev, Executive Director, Healthy Climate New Mexico.

“In these times of increasing national uncertainty for our climate goals, leaders have an urgent moral imperative to equip our state government to best serve the common good of New Mexico communities,” says Rev. Clara Sims, Assistant Executive Director, New Mexico & El Paso Interfaith Power and Light. “Senate Bill 83 is one critical step toward protecting the resilient, thriving, and sustainable future that is the birthright of all generations to come.”

“New Mexico families deserve action that will protect our communities and give us the opportunity to build a sustainable and prosperous future with a robust economy,” says Gabrielle Uballez, Executive Director of New Mexico Voices for Children. “That’s what the Innovation in Government Fund, the Community Benefit Fund, and the Clear Horizons Act offer our state and we urge the legislature to pass all of them.”

“As we commit our state to build a clean energy future where we thrive together, it is essential for agencies to attract the best and brightest professionals to deploy the work ahead. SB83 will do precisely that”, says Ona Porter, Founder Emerita and Clean Energy Leader for Prosperity Works.

“With sudden, unexpected and devastating climate disasters, the state government needs funds to be responsive, agile and creative with their response. These investments will provide the resources needed to build a workforce that can not only implement state climate policies, but also drive innovative projects that make New Mexico a leader in climate solutions,” says Camilla Feibelman, Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter.

“Senate Bill 83 is a strategic investment in our state’s future, ensuring that New Mexico’s agencies are equipped to lead in sustainable energy advancements efficiently. This legislation is essential for building a workforce that can effectively propel our state toward our clean energy goals and solidify our standing as a leader in energy efficiency and innovation,” says Alex Eubanks, New Mexico Representative for SWEEP.

“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 $10 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.”

“By strengthening the capacity of state agencies, this bill will ensure that New Mexico has the skilled public servants necessary to expand clean energy jobs and investments across the state,” says AnnaLinden Weller, Senior Policy Advisor for Clean Energy at Western Resource Advocates. “This funding will provide the resources needed to build a workforce to drive innovative projects of the future.”

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Clear Horizons New Mexico is a coalition committed to fostering sustainable growth and environmental resilience throughout the State of New Mexico. Through the advocacy and implementation of groundbreaking legislation like the Clear Horizons Act (SB4), the Community Benefit Fund (SB48 & 49), and Innovation in State Government Fun (SB83) we aim to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote energy development and innovation, and enhance community welfare. Our mission is to transform New Mexico into a leader in energy & sustainability by harnessing the state’s unique environmental assets and cultural heritage, ensuring a thriving, sustainable future for all residents. Clear Horizons New Mexico collaborates with local communities, policymakers, and environmental experts to drive meaningful change and innovation.