FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, February 25, 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, applauds the New Mexico Senate for passing the Community Benefit Fund (Senate Bill 48) 23-15 to invest $340 million in local economies across the state. Paired with investments in in-state expertise to grow and diversify the economy in the Innovation in State Government Fund (Senate Bill 83), this  legislation has the potential to grow local jobs while improving infrastructure, expanding clean energy, and increasing resilience to extreme weather events.

“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 (Senate Bill 48) would invest $340 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 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. 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. 

The Community Benefit Fund could support projects like:

• Mora County Complex Community Center  – Providing assets to residents recovering from the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon fires. 
• Workforce Housing in Red River – Supporting the development of 100 new workforce housing units to provide stable, affordable homes for workers.
• City of Jal Housing Initiative – Addressing the housing shortage in the City of Jal through the refurbishment of existing homes, prioritizing community health and saving energy.
• Energy Savings in the town of Bernalillo – Providing deep energy retrofits in the homes of low income elders, reducing energy costs, and emissions, and improving the health safety and comfort of residents. 

“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.”

Background

The Community Benefit Fund, made up of Senate Bills 48 & 49, passed the Senate Conservation Committee on 5-3 do-pass votes on February 8. 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. The Innovation in Government Fund (Senate Bill 83) passed the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee 5-4 on February 23. 

The Community Benefit Fund will be dispersed to local communities via:

• $40 million to the Economic Development Department to diversify the state’s economy
• $20 million to the Community Energy Efficiency Development (CEED) Block Grant Fund
• $100 million to Grid Modernization Grant Fund
• $50 million to Transportation Project Fund
• $5 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
• $25 million to the Department of Workforce Solutions
• $60 million to the Public Schools Facilities Authority
  

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.

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 Senate for passing Senate Bill 48,” says 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 comes at a critical moment, when federal policies and programs supporting community-based resilience in the face of extreme weather events are being shredded and states must step up”, says Demis Foster, CEO for Conservation Voters New Mexico. “The Community Benefit Fund, combined with the Clear Horizons Act and the Innovation in Government Act, are a comprehensive local response to the fires, floods and long-term drought everyday New Mexicans are already facing.”

“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.” 

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

“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.

“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. We thank Senate Pro Tem Stewart for her leadership for these significant investments in clean, sustainable economies, energy efficiency and carbon-free alternatives, including electric school buses.  We look forward to seeing this investment in 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 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.”

“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.”

“New Mexico communities are worth investing in and the Community Benefit Fund does just that,” says Alexis Mena, New Mexico Policy Director at NRDC. “These bills lay the groundwork for creating healthy, thriving communities throughout New Mexico. They stand to drastically increase opportunity for those shouldering the greatest burdens of climate change while ensuring our state’s infrastructure and economy are resilient 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!” 

“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.

“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. The Clear Horizons Act, Community Benefit Fund, and Innovation in Government Act reflect values important to New Mexicans—preserving our environment, protecting communities, and creating economic opportunities statewide. These forward-looking policies will ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.”

“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 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.