FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, January 23, 2026

Media Contact: info@clearhorizonsnm.org

SANTA FE, N.M. – Lawmakers formally introduced the Clear Horizons Act,  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; 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 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 (SB18), 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.