FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Media Contact: info@clearhorizonsnm.org

[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) 39-16 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 drivers 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.

Learn more about why advocates are supporting these vital investments in local projects and jobs growth below:

“The Community Benefit Fund will provide vital investments in our communities to build diverse, healthy economies. This critical piece of legislation will contribute to building the workforce we need for high demand jobs now and in the future. We applaud the House for voting to pass SB 48 and urge Governor Lujan Grisham to sign this important legislation,” said Michael Leon Guerrero, sustainable economy policy advisor for the Center for Civic Policy.

“As the Trump administration illegally circumvents Congress to thwart bipartisan federal investments like EV infrastructure, it has never been more important for states to step up as vehicles for climate and democratic resilience. The Community Benefit Fund and Clear Horizons Act ensure that New Mexico will invest in its transition to a clean energy economy in a way that creates jobs, forefronts environmental justice, and keeps costs down,” says Jordan Haedtler, New Mexico Policy Lead and Climate Financial Strategist at Climate Cabinet. 

“Senate Bills 48 and 49, which create the Community Benefit Fund, will help to mitigate some of the burgeoning economic effects of climate change,” says Charles de Saillan, an attorney who represents the Coalition for Clean Affordable Energy. “Among other things, the bills will serve to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, improve energy efficiency, and provide training and opportunities for jobs in renewable energy industries. The bills will focus on those communities hardest hit by the tragic consequences of a rapidly changing climate – often those least able to afford it. We want to thank Senator Stewart for taking on this difficult issue.”

“The Community Benefit Fund represents an historic investment in community-based climate action in New Mexico,” says Demis Foster, CEO of Conservation Voters New Mexico. “It comes at a critical moment, when federal policies and funding supporting community-based resilience in the face of extreme weather events are being shredded and states must step up. It is an important first step in building a comprehensive response to the fires, floods and long-term drought everyday New Mexicans are already facing and we urge the Governor to sign it.”

“At this crucial juncture, it is more important than ever to take meaningful action to reduce emissions and fight climate change,” says Andrew Forkes-Gudmundson of Earthworks. “This suite of bills will help New Mexico actually meet its emission reduction goals and hit its climate targets. Passing these bills is a necessary step towards our energy transition and to preserve New Mexico’s clean air and healthy environment.” 

“The Community Benefit Fund will help protect communities from the worst impacts of climate change by creating jobs, investing in infrastructure, and supporting local economies so that all New Mexicans can prosper. We thank Senate Pro Tem Stewart for her leadership and urge the legislature to speed passage of this important bill,” says Michael Bueno, Senior Manager, State Climate Policy and Strategy at EDF Action. 

“We need to ensure that our Latine and Indigenous communities have the best possible opportunities regardless of the inequitable impacts of climate change. The Community Benefit Fund will give us the funding to support New Mexicans especially considering the uncertainty from our federal government,” says Carlos Matutes, New Mexico Community Advocate with GreenLatinos.

“The Community Benefit Fund will help improve the health and well-being of all New Mexicans, especially those who are harmed the most by extreme weather and climate pollution. As health professionals, we know firsthand the health harms to our patients and communities. Let’s join together and make sure that our state makes these important investments in clean, sustainable economies, energy efficiency and carbon-free alternatives, including electric school buses, for better health for our people, land, water and air,” says Shelley Mann-Lev, MPH, Executive Director of Healthy Climate New Mexico.

“The Community Benefit Fund reflects the bold and moral leadership New Mexico needs,” says Rev. Clara Sims, Assistant Executive Director of New Mexico & El Paso Interfaith Power and Light.  “We are grateful that Senator Pro Tem Mimi Stewart and so many leaders championed this bill and with it the common good of New Mexicans. At this critical moment for our climate and in our urgent need for strong state leadership, we hope the Governor will sign SB 48 into law.” 

“Investing in communities most impacted by climate change is not just an environmental imperative—it’s a matter of health. Kids and families across New Mexico are already experiencing the harmful effects of extreme heat, wildfires, and poor air quality,” says Giovanna Rossi, Moms Clean Air Force New Mexico chapter. “The Community Benefit Fund will provide critical resources to build cleaner, healthier communities while creating family sustaining jobs and supporting economic resilience. We urge lawmakers to take bold action by passing this legislation to protect our children’s future.”

“Our state’s children in school districts across New Mexico can soon be transported to and from schools in clean, quiet electric school buses, thanks to the Community Benefit Fund. This means improved health for many of our students, and corollary increases in school attendance and success. The funding in SB48 will help districts which choose to do so to install electrical infrastructure and purchase the buses,” says James Jimenez, NMVC Action Fund Executive Director.

“In passing The Community Benefit Fund, our state legislature has centered the New Mexican people and laid the groundwork for healthy, thriving communities,” says Alexis Mena, New Mexico Policy Director at NRDC. “This fund drastically increases opportunities for those shouldering the greatest burdens of climate change and invests in community resilience, ensuring strong infrastructure and economy across our state for years to come.”

“While we most often think of extreme climate events as fires and floods, think now about those suffering with huge energy bills that they are unlikely to be able to pay as we endure the deepest and longest extreme cold that we have seen in decades,” says Ona Porter, Founder Emerita and Clean Energy Leader at Prosperity Works. “With the Community Benefits Fund we will be able to more fully fund the Community Energy Efficiency Block Grant (CEED) that provides deep energy efficiency retrofits in the homes of our most vulnerable residents’ homes. Thank you, Senator Stewart!” 

“The Semilla Project is thrilled to support Senate Bill 48, which is a groundbreaking step toward a sustainable and inclusive economic future for New Mexico. This legislation not only fosters innovative non-fossil fuel industries but also ensures crucial investments in communities historically impacted by environmental degradation,” says Jared Berenice Estrada, Advocacy and Programs Director for The Semilla Project. “By channeling funds into sectors like renewable energy and green technologies, SB48 aligns perfectly with our mission to advocate for environmental justice and sustainable community development. We urge everyone to stand behind this bill, as it will create vital job opportunities, particularly for our youth, and pave the way for a healthier environment.”

“New Mexico has the workforce, the innovation and the leadership to protect our people from the devastating impacts of fires, floods, drought and extreme heat. With the federal attempts to roll back the urgent work we need to do to slow down the outsized impacts of global warming on New Mexico, our state is going to have to do more than ever,” says Camilla Feibelman, Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter Director.

“Indigenous communities have long faced environmental harm while being excluded from investments that build sustainable economies,” says Mayane Barudin, Executive Director of Sovereign Energy. “Senate Bills 48 and 49, with a $340 million investment, are a crucial step in reversing that history by ensuring Tribes have access to funding for renewable energy, workforce training, and infrastructure modernization. These funds will empower Tribes to pursue their clean energy goals, protect natural resources, and create economic opportunities that align with our values of stewardship and sustainability, helping to shape a more just and resilient future for all.”

“The Community Benefit Fund is a game-changer for New Mexico’s clean energy future,” says Alex Eubanks, New Mexico Representative for the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP). “By investing in workforce training and infrastructure that supports energy efficiency and renewable energy, SB 48 will help ensure that all communities—especially those historically left behind—can benefit from the transition to a clean energy economy. These investments will reduce emissions, lower energy costs, and create high-quality jobs, building a more resilient and equitable future for New Mexicans.”

“We applaud Senate Pro Tem Stewart and her team for crafting such a thoughtful approach to climate and just transition action in New Mexico,” says Erik Schlenker-Goodrich, executive director of the Western Environmental Law Center. “These bills position New Mexico to open new doors to a thriving, resilient future where our state is a leader in the fight against the climate crisis, better protects its rich natural heritage, and actively builds a strong, diversified economy powered by renewable energy.” 

“As elected officials and their communities contend with the impacts of climate change, the Community Benefit Fund meets the moment with investments that will build a more resilient climate future for all New Mexicans,” says Jessica Pace, Interim Executive Director at Western Leaders Network. “This fund will help advance the clean energy transition, diversify local economies and bring quality jobs to New Mexico communities. We commend the legislature for supporting Senate Bill 48, which establishes the Community Benefit Fund, and urge the governor to sign it.”

“The Community Benefits Fund includes a wide range of investments to support the communities most impacted by climate change,” says AnnaLinden Weller, Senior Clean Energy Policy Advisor at Western Resource Advocates. “This bill sends a clear message that everyone in New Mexico should have access to clean and healthy air, the benefits from the renewable energy transition, and sustained protection against the worst effects of climate change.” 

“We know that climate change is falling hardest on our most vulnerable populations — and the Community Benefit Fund gives our communities a chance to adapt and even advance by giving resources to improve our infrastructure and give our youths the opportunity for better, high quality jobs in southern New Mexico,” says Sylvia Ulloa, executive director of NM Communidades en Accion y de Fe (NM CAFe).

“This investment will be meaningful to rural communities and Tribes,” says Catherine Zingg, Tribal Policy Director at GRID Alternatives. “We are at a critical juncture in the state’s role to protect and provide for its people, and we expect the Governor to move with action and sign this bill. Again, this investment means wealth building and clean energy development and choice for Tribes.” 

“I’m grateful to all those that worked to develop SB 48, and all those in the House and Senate who voted for it”, says Christian Casillas, Executive Director of the Coalition of Sustainable Communities New Mexico. “Our coalition of local city and county governments urge Governor Lujan Grisham to sign this important legislation that will provide funding to develop communities that are more resilient to climate change, while creating economic development opportunities for overburdened households.” 

“Investing in the health and well-being of our families, improving the resiliency of our communities, and diversifying and strengthening our economy are critical to addressing the many challenges of climate change,” says Gabrielle Uballez, Executive Director of New Mexico Voices for Children. “That’s what the Community Benefit Fund offers our state and its families. We thank Senate Pro Tem Stewart for bringing this important piece of legislation forward, and we eagerly await the Governor’s signature knowing the positive impact SB 48 will have on our communities for generations to come.”

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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.