Last legislative session, the conservation community and CVNM members like you banded together to get the rooftop solar tax credit extension all the way to the Governor’s desk. Despite broad bi-partisan support for the bill, Gov. Susana Martinez chose to completely ignore the measure – ignoring solar’s benefits to New Mexico’s economy, communities, health and environment.
Now, Extend & Reduce Solar Market Development Tax Credit (House Bill 26), co-sponsored by Sen. Mimi Stewart and Rep. Sarah Maestas Barnes, needs your push to make sure it’s included in the budget for this year. Key committees are putting together the pieces of the budget puzzle and they need to hear from you.
The bill extends the current tax credit for residential, commercial and agricultural solar installations that is set to expire at the end of 2016.
Solar energy is great for New Mexico for many reasons. It reduces air and water pollution, improves public health and creates jobs. This tax credit has proven to be successful, assisting the booming local industry to grow 45% from 2012 to 2014, for a total of 1,600 solar jobs in New Mexico.
As the second sunniest state, we only get 2% of our electricity from the sun – far below our potential.
