FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8, 2025

Media Contact: info@clearhorizonsnm.org

[Santa Fe, NM] – Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham today signed Senate Bill 83, establishing the Innovation in State Government Fund, a bold investment that will empower state agencies to implement modern, effective solutions to New Mexico’s biggest challenges. With strong support from a diverse coalition of business leaders, climate advocates, and community organizations, the new law will drive job growth, expand clean energy initiatives, and ensure that government agencies have the resources to develop innovative, long-term strategies for economic resilience and sustainability.

The Innovation in State Government Fund (Senate Bill 83), sponsored by Senate Pro Tem Mimi Stewart and Senator Heather Berghmans, equips 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:

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

“New Mexico is taking bold action to create jobs and fund our agencies to address climate change,” says Cara Lynch, attorney for Coalition for Clean Affordable Energy. By establishing the Innovation in State Government Fund, we’re finally funding our agencies to address the impacts of climate change, fueling workforce development, expanding clean energy careers, and ensuring economic opportunities reach every corner of the state.”

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. Together, these bills ensure New Mexico isn’t just reacting to challenges but leading with proactive solutions that strengthen communities and drive sustainable economic progress.

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: 

“By signing Senate Bill 83, Governor Lujan Grisham is sending a clear message that New Mexico is committed to leading the way on climate action, clean energy, and sustainable job growth. This legislation is a crucial step towards creating a brighter future for all New Mexicans by positioning state agencies to ensure that our transition to a low-carbon economy benefits all communities, especially those most impacted by climate change. We applaud the governor’s leadership in making it a reality,” says Michael Leon Guerrero, sustainable economy policy advisor for the Center for Civic Policy.

“The Innovation in State Government Fund is a game-changer for New Mexico’s future, ensuring our state agencies have the funding and support to lead on climate action, clean energy, and sustainable job growth,” says Justin Garoutte, Climate & Energy Advocate with Conservation Voters New Mexico. “We are grateful to Senators Stewart and Berghmans for sponsoring SB 83 and to Governor Lujan Grisham for signing it into law. Now it’s time to turn innovative ideas into real policies that will benefit everyday New Mexicans for generations to come.”

​​“Businesses across New Mexico are in for a stronger, more innovative and more resilient future as a result of The Innovation in State Government Fund,” says Susan Nedell, Sr. Western Advocate for E2. “This legislation invests in job growth and richer economic opportunities in the clean economy throughout New Mexico, offering stability and adaptability for New Mexico during these uncertain times.”

“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 programs, state agencies need additional support like this to better serve the public. We thank Senators Stewart and Berghmans for sponsoring, and Governor Lujan Grisham for signing this important bill.”

“We are deeply grateful to the sponsors of Senate Bill 83 for supporting New Mexico’s communities by ensuring that our state agencies have the resources to help us move forward through the unpredictable times ahead. We can no longer depend on federal agencies to protect our people from the ravages of environmental disasters. Climate change is upon us, and we thank Governor Lujan-Grisham for signing this important legislation into law,” says Carlos Matutes, New Mexico State Program Director for GreenLatinos.

“We are grateful that state agencies will have the resources they need to support a more sustainable and resilient future. Investments in clean energy industries have the double benefit of enhanced employment and a cleaner environment,” says Shelley Mann-Lev, Executive Director of Healthy Climate New Mexico.

“Moms Clean Air Force applauds Governor Lujan Grisham and the legislature for this bold move to protect our children’s future by investing in both a sustainable economy and the health of our communities,” says Giovanna Rossi, Moms Clean Air Force – NM consultant and organizer. “Together with Senate Bill 48, which directs funding to communities hardest hit by climate change, these bills mark a new chapter in New Mexico’s commitment to climate resilience, economic prosperity, and a cleaner, healthier environment for all.”

We are grateful that the Innovation State Government Fund has been signed into law and applaud this legislation as one small but critically important step toward protecting all New Mexicans right to a future of climate stability,” says Rev. Clara Sims, Assistant Executive Director, New Mexico Interfaith Power and Light. Against the backdrop of federal hostility to climate responsibility, now more than ever our state agencies need the support of this funding to implement and enforce urgent climate solutions. 

“New Mexico is meeting this moment of climate uncertainty with resilience and adaptability by investing in the future of our economy and job market, while pursuing cleaner, healthier communities across the state. This legislation provides rich opportunities for our workforce and opens doors for emerging clean energy industries,” says Alexis Mena, New Mexico Policy Director at NRDC. “Everyone in New Mexico deserves a clean environment, a healthy home and a resilient pocketbook. With this legislation, our state leadership delivers just that.”

“Our state agencies need the funding and flexibility to meet the urgency of the climate crisis.  When extreme fires and floods devastate communities or when extreme heat and drought impact workers and agriculture, we need the state to act, especially given the profound cuts to our basic protections by the Federal Government,” says Camilla Feibelman, Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter

“Senate Bill 83 is a step toward realizing a future where Indigenous communities lead in shaping New Mexico’s clean energy transition. By investing in innovation and sustainability, this legislation empowers state agencies to work in true partnership with Tribal Nations—honoring our knowledge, protecting our lands and waters, and ensuring that economic growth does not come at the expense of our sovereignty. This is how we build a just and regenerative energy future, rooted in our responsibilities to future generations,” says Mayane Barudin, Executive Director of Sovereign Energy 

“Strong climate policy only works when we have the people and resources in place to carry it out,” says Alex Eubanks, New Mexico Representative at SWEEP. “Senate Bill 83 is a vital investment in the public servants who make clean energy progress possible. This funding gives state agencies the capacity to turn policy into action—and ensures that every community in New Mexico can share in the benefits of a more sustainable future.”

 “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. This 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. We applaud the state legislature for supporting this bill and Governor Lujan Grisham for signing it.” 

“Now more than ever, state legislatures must craft strong policies to protect our air and water and mitigate the impacts of climate change, especially for our most vulnerable communities,” says Tammy Fiebelkorn, New Mexico government affairs manager at Western Resource Advocates. “SB 83 is an investment in the future of New Mexico, a policy that will help the state decrease the use of polluting fossil fuels while expanding opportunities for job growth in the clean energy space.”

“For our communities, this is about more than access. It’s about equity, resilience, and the ability to implement climate policies that reflect our values and protect our homelands. I applaud the governor and all legislators for their support of SB83 as a necessary investment in the future of Native communities and the shared well-being of all New Mexicans.  By contributing $10 million in the Innovation in State Government Fund, we’re not just offering administrative support, we’re building long-term capacity within Tribal and state agencies to secure and manage critical funding streams.”– Ahtza Chavez, NM Native Vote, Executive Director

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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.