FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, February 24, 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 34 organizations and businesses across New Mexico sent a letter to the Senate Finance Committee to address sources of climate-warming pollution and grow a diversified, more sustainable economy by passing Senate Bill 4, the Clear Horizons Act. The Clear Horizons Act is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Finance Committee on Monday, February 24.

“New Mexico is already paying the price for climate inaction—from wildfires and floods to rising infrastructure costs,” says Senate Pro-Tem Mimi Stewart. “Every year, we spend millions on emergency relief, but without a plan, we’re just reacting instead of preparing. The Clear Horizons Act gives us the roadmap to invest wisely today so we aren’t scrambling to adapt when it’s too late.” 

The Clear Horizons Act, Senate Bill 4, would create a regulatory framework that aligns state and industry carbon pollution goals, paving the way for New Mexico to build a more innovative and sustainable economy, creating good-paying jobs for New Mexicans across the state for generations to come. Greenhouse gas emission reduction targets exist in Governor Lujan Grisham’s executive order 2019-003 and will serve New Mexico in the long-term when codified in law. 

“These bills would provide the clear signal to drive more investments and jobs in New Mexico’s thriving clean energy economy,” said Susan Nedell, Senior Western Advocate for E2 – Environmental Entrepreneurs. “I urge the legislature to pass this critical suite of legislation that will boost the state’s economy and clean energy production for generations to come.” 

Paired with smart local and statewide investments like those in the Community Benefit Fund (Senate Bill 48), and Innovation in State Government Fund (Senate Bill 83), enacting economy-wide greenhouse gas emission limits via Senate Bill 4 has the potential to grow the economy and create jobs, particularly in clean energy, technology, and infrastructure.

The 2025 Conservation in the West poll found that 77% of New Mexicans support the government taking action to reduce carbon pollution that contributes to climate change, such as the Clear Horizons Act. This is unsurprising given the various ways climate change impacts New Mexicans, including more severe wildfires and floods, extended droughts that limit water supplies, and more extreme weather events and heat.

“Carbon pollution is causing irreparable harm to New Mexicans by drying up our rivers and snowpack, intensifying wildfires and floods, increasing health-harming pollution and changing weather patterns we rely on for food,” says Camilla Feibelman, Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter Director. “Climate change is a long-term problem, but we can make substantial progress through a series of steady and responsible steps that must begin today with the Clear Horizons Act. We need an ‘all hands on deck’ approach to address carbon pollution, the root cause of climate change, that will spur energy innovation, build strong communities, and create real opportunities that will leave communities better off for the future. We urge the Senate Finance Committee to see this measure as a solid investment in our climate and communities.”

These forward-looking investments are crucial now as fossil fuels jobs are currently in decline. For example, just this month Chevron slashed its workforce by 20%, despite $17.66 billion in earnings. In New Mexico, despite record crude oil production in the Permian Basin, oil production jobs are down 20% from pre-pandemic levels, largely due to automation and technological efficiencies. 

“Pro Tem Stewart’s bill is a bold and necessary step to address the climate crisis and the direct impacts we know too well; severe wildfires, extreme heat, floods and drought,” says Ona Porter, MA, Founder Emerita and Clean Energy Leader, Prosperity Works. “These events have enormous emotional costs far beyond the financial. Loss of homes, businesses, grazing lands, forests and whole communities that can never be restored. SB4 takes the essential steps to address the root causes of climate change and prevent these disasters.”

Climate change is already costing New Mexicans and our state millions of dollars annually. The majority of Governor Lujan Grisham’s 2024 executive orders – 183 out of 221 or 83% – were related to emergency funding to address the impacts of climate change, totalling $140 million of state dollars in just one year. Weather-based disasters have cost NM $5.3 billion in the past 42 years. A study by Resources for the Future estimates that every $1 spent on GHG regulation returns between $2 to $6 in benefits due to improved health, lower energy costs, and avoided climate-related damages.

State-led climate action like the Clear Horizons Act is also vital for the U.S. to meet its commitments under the Paris Climate Agreement. New Mexico is part of the U.S. Climate Alliance, a group of 22 states committed to the Paris goals representing 60% of the country’s economy and roughly 43% of net greenhouse gas emissions. As the second-largest oil producing state and fifth-largest methane gas producing state in the country, passing the Clear Horizons Act would solidify New Mexico as a climate leader and move the U.S. closer to meeting its climate goals. 

The Clear Horizons New Mexico Coalition is a partnership of New Mexicans across the state from 34 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 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.

Background

The Clear Horizons Act is the fourth time a bill to codify greenhouse gas emission reductions has been introduced in the New Mexico Legislature since Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed a climate change executive order in 2019. Despite excellent work by the state’s Climate Change Bureau and Task Force, the NM Environment Department’s 2024 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and Forecast identified that “existing statewide policies are not sufficient to meet 2030 carbon goals, and additional policy action is necessary.”

The Senate Conservation Committee passed the Clear Horizons Act 5-4 on a do-pass motion on January 28. If passed by the Senate Finance Committee, the bill will be heard next by the full Senate. The Clear Horizons Act is one of a suite of bills introduced in the 2025 legislative session by Senate Pro-Tem Mimi Stewart aimed at investing in communities and protecting them from the impacts of climate change with proactive measures. The other bills in the suite are:

• The Community Benefits Fund, Senate Bills 48 and 49, would invest $340 million in communities that have been disproportionately impacted by climate change, providing resources for renewable energy projects, energy efficiency upgrades, and other projects that reduce carbon pollution. 
• The Innovation in Government Fund, Senate Bill 83, would provide $10 million in funding to state agencies to support efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

Learn more about why advocates are supporting these critical bills below: 

“The New Mexico oil and gas industry routinely touts their achievements in reducing emissions, producing ever cleaner barrels of oil and being environmentally responsible. The Clear Horizons Act provides NM oil and gas producers with a perfect opportunity to codify the efforts they highlight with enforceable standards for ever cleaner and more responsible production. 350 New Mexico looks forward to the enthusiastic support of the oil and gas industry and their legislative allies for this important legislation,” says Tom Solomon, co-coordinator, 350 New Mexico.

“We urge the Senate Finance Committee to pass Senate Bill 4, the Clear Horizons Act today. The Clear Horizons Act helps ensure that economic growth and a commitment to sustainability go hand-in-hand by investing in community-driven solutions and equipping agencies with the tools they need to provide a regulatory framework. By taking action today, we can build a more resilient tomorrow for all New Mexicans,” said Oriana Sandoval, executive director at the Center for Civic Policy.

”We want to thank Senate Pro Tem Stewart for bringing these bills forward,” says Charles de Saillan, attorney representing Coalition for Clean Affordable Energy.  “The Clear Horizons Act will codify the greenhouse gas reduction targets of the Governor’s executive order and the Paris Climate Accords. More importantly, the bill will require State regulators to adopt enforceable rules to require reductions in greenhouse gas emissions in New Mexico to help meet those targets. You could say that the reduction targets are the soul of the bill, while the rulemaking requirements are its heart.  This legislation is essential if we are to avoid the worst consequences of the climate crisis.”  

“This suite of bills provide time-critical regulations to guide the reduction of polluting emissions while providing resources to help our most vulnerable communities adapt to a changing climate,” says Christian Casillas, Executive Director of the Coalition of Sustainable Communities New Mexico. 

“The suite of bills sponsored by Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart have come at a critical moment when federal policies and programs dealing with climate change are being shredded and states must step up”, says Demis Foster, CEO for Conservation Voters New Mexico. “The Clear Horizons Act, the Community Benefit Fund and the Innovation in Government Act are a comprehensive response to climate change and the extreme events it helps create and amplify in New Mexico: fires, floods and long-term drought. The bills will make necessary investments in the clean energy transition, and protect communities and New Mexico’s air, land, water, and wildlife.”

“Nature never gets a vote, that’s why as northern New Mexico ranchers we are fully supporting the Clear Horizons Act,” say Don and Jane Schreiber of the Devil’s Spring Ranch in Rio Arriba County. “We’ve watched the oil & gas industry stop bill after bill aimed at protecting clear air, clean water and healthy land. We can’t let that happen this time.”

“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 Clear Horizons Act provides the critical framework, tools and resources New Mexico needs to hold polluters accountable and protect communities from the worst impacts of climate change,” says Michael Bueno, Senior Manager, State Climate Policy and Strategy at EDF Action. “New Mexicans are looking to state leaders to drive local solutions that put community needs first, protect precious water resources and deliver clean air and good-paying jobs that they can rely on. Passing the Clear Horizons Act is a foundational next step in the state’s climate leadership that will promote a thriving, transformative economy that protects New Mexicans for generations to come. We thank Senate Pro Tem Stewart for her leadership.”

“New Mexico has been considered a ‘sacrifice zone’ in order to benefit extractive industries. Our people are deserving of protection from the damage to our beautiful environment that these industries bring in order to create more shareholder value and profit for the wealthy. We are grateful to Senate Pro Tem Stewart for supporting the right to clean air, pure water, and healthy soil for our families, our neighbors, and our future generations. The Clear Horizons Act, Community Benefits Fund, and The Innovations in Government Act will all move us towards a better life for ourselves and our descendants,” says Carlos Matutes, New Mexico Community Advocate with GreenLatinos.

“As health professionals, we know firsthand how extreme weather and climate change events are harming our patients and communities. No community is immune. These bold proposals will help protect the well-being of all New Mexicans, especially our most vulnerable populations. Grateful to all who are working to reduce climate pollution and invest in solutions to save lives now and for the future,” says Shelley Mann-Lev, Executive Director of Healthy Climate New Mexico.

“As moms, we know that clean air is essential for the health and future of our kids. The Clear Horizons Act provides New Mexico with the tools to reduce harmful pollution, address the climate crisis, and build a sustainable future,” says Giovanna Rossi with Moms Clean Air Force, New Mexico chapter. “We thank Senate Pro Tem Stewart for her leadership in protecting our kids and communities from the devastating impacts of climate change.”

“The Clear Horizons Act, Community Benefit Fund, and Innovation in Government Act reflect 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 all have a sacred responsibility to protect this place and the promise it holds for all generations to come. Let us lean into this moment and lead from a place of courage and hope with legislation for a livable, healthy, just, and flourishing future for all our many diverse communities – a future we have, in equal measures, the right and the responsibility to protect.”

“Our indigenous communities are experiencing the most drastic effects of climate change. Our lands are hotter than ever. The continual drought impacts our farmers while extractive developments built near us put our community health at risk. It’s time to pass legislation to require industry to take the next steps to reduce their climate pollution so this and next generations have a chance to thrive,” says Ahtza Dawn Chavez, Executive Director of NM Native Vote.

“In 2019 New Mexico welcomed the passing of the Energy Transition Act.  In 2021 SB112 established the Sustainable Economy Task Force to further the transition of our economy’s diversification. Thus far we have not been able to put the full force of this legislation to work. This is our opportunity to take meaningful actions for sustainable economic development and job creation in our most impacted communities,” says Glenn Schiffbauer with New Mexico Sustainable Business.

“The urgency of pursuing climate action has never been clearer, and this bill does just that,” said Alexis Mena, New Mexico policy director at NRDC. “By setting the bar high with emissions reduction targets and establishing mechanisms to monitor progress on these goals, the Clear Horizons act will curb pollution, improve public health, and establish much-needed economic resilience. It’s high time we address the root cause of devastating climate disasters and establish the climate goals necessary to protect the future of communities across our state.”

“When we talk about ‘energy’ in New Mexico it’s so much more than just an industry or tangible resources. It’s also the feeling about what New Mexico is and who our people are. The Clear Horizons Act and supporting bills create a level playing field for industry while ensuring that we’re protecting the things that give NM its energy,” says Lucas Herndon, Energy Policy Director at ProgressNow New Mexico.’

“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!” 

“At The Semilla Project, we firmly believe that the suite of bills introduced by Senate Pro Tem Mimi Stewart are a pivotal step towards our shared goals for a sustainable future,” says Jared Berenice Estrada, Advocacy and Programs Director for The Semilla Project. “These bills resonate with our commitment at The Semilla Project to engage and prepare young people for leadership in a green economy. We stand with this effort to transform our state into a leader in climate action, ensuring our youth inherit a healthier, more resilient New Mexico.”

“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 in New Mexico have long borne the disproportionate impacts of climate change, from severe droughts to the degradation of vital ecosystems. The Clear Horizons Act is a crucial step for New Mexico in supporting Tribal Nations’ ongoing efforts to protect their natural resources and preserve cultural heritage. By passing this bill, lawmakers can safeguard the well-being of youth and future generations, while ensuring a more sustainable, equitable, and just future for all New Mexicans,” said Mayane Barudin, Executive Director of Sovereign Energy.

“These bills exemplify Pro Tem Stewart’s bold leadership on climate and clean energy policy,” says Alex Eubanks, New Mexico Representative for SWEEP. “By prioritizing clean energy, innovation, and community benefits, these measures will help reduce emissions, enhance energy efficiency, and strengthen New Mexico’s economy. We encourage the Legislature to pass them and solidify New Mexico’s role as a climate leader.”

“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 at 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 Clear Horizons Act, Community Benefit Fund and Innovation in Government Act meet the moment by promising a more resilient climate future for all New Mexicans,” says Jessica Pace, Interim Executive Director at Western Leaders Network. “These bills would put New Mexico on track to reach state climate goals, hold polluters accountable, invest in the clean energy transition and protect our air, waters and lands. We commend Senate Pro Tem Stewart for her commitment to climate action by sponsoring these critical bills and urge the legislature to support them.”

“Now more than ever, it’s critical that states take the initiative and craft strong policies to address climate change,” says Cydney Beadles, senior attorney and New Mexico Clean Energy Manager at Western Resource Advocates (WRA). “With these bills, our state leaders are sending a powerful message that the right of all New Mexicans to clean air and healthy communities is a priority worth fighting for. This is the kind of action that will advance the clean energy transition in New Mexico.”

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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.