On November 21, the Public Regulation Commission (PRC) will meet to hear public comments on a proposed rulemaking to take the next step to ensure New Mexico’s rural electricity providers generate electricity sourced by renewable energy. New Mexico has 19 rural electric cooperatives (co-ops) statewide, which provide electricity to over 434,000 households. The proposed rulemaking, Renewable Energy for Rural Electric Cooperatives, aims to set standards for rural co-ops to provide 40% renewable energy by 2025, 50% by 2030, and at least 80% by 2050.
This hearing could not be more timely. New Mexico is facing a climate crisis, and we are at a crucial crossroads. Based on 2023 estimates by the Environmental Defense Fund, New Mexico is projected to miss our 2030 climate pollution reduction targets by between 26-36 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents. We need to act to mitigate the worst of climate change and catch up with our partners in the US Climate Alliance States, many of which have utilities that are on track to reach 90% decarbonization by 2030.
We at CVNM strongly support this proposed standard and encourage you to join us in that support by signing up to give public comment. You can do so virtually or in person. To sign up email or call Patrick Rodriguez at public.comment@prc.nm.gov or 505-490-7910 no later than 12:00 pm on November 20th.
The details:
- What: Public Regulation Commission (PRC) Proposed Rulemaking Renewable Energy for Rural Electric Cooperatives (Proposed Rulemaking)
- When: Public Comment Hearing, November 21, 2024 at 10:00 am
- Where: Virtual and in person TBD
Adopting the Public Regulation Commission’s (PRC) proposed renewable portfolio standards for rural electric cooperatives not only makes sense for the environment, but also is the most cost-effective path forward for rural electric cooperatives. Please lend your voice and help make these much needed standards law.
If you plan on giving public comments, click here to read CVNM’s talking points. If you’re interested in taking further action, consider signing our petition asking the commissioners to adopt the proposed standards.