The Energy Transition Act is being targeted by an out of state, Koch-funded political hitman. Tell them they’re out of touch and New Mexicans are ready for a clean energy future.
Conservation Voters like you, and across the state, helped pass one of the most ambitious clean energy bills in the country. The Energy Transition Act was the most important piece of energy policy at the legislative session because it establishes a pathway for an energy transition in the Four Corners area while providing relief to workers in San Juan County affected by the closure of coal plants.
Larry Behrens and the Koch-funded organization, Power the Future, claim that the Energy Transition Act (ETA) is too radical, will cost too many jobs and was crafted by out of state interests. Their claims could not be further from the truth. The Energy Transition Act passed with bipartisan support – a product of bringing together New Mexicans of all walks of life, stakeholders, tribal communities, local leaders and community organizations. Not only does the ETA set a mandate of 100 percent carbon-free energy for New Mexico, but also looks out for communities impacted by coal plant closures. San Juan County is set to receive $40 million for workforce training and economic development.
Power the Future is engaging in bad faith arguments and is only interested in keeping New Mexico shackled to polluting industries. Power the Future’s mission statement makes it clear they are an industry advocacy group: they want our state to continue its reckless boom-and-bust economy, they don’t want to address high rates of childhood asthma caused by industry and gas pollution, and they aren’t interested in a clean energy transition. Their objective is to advocate for industry – not people, and not communities. The implementation of the ETA will require coordination with community groups, tribal and elected leaders, advocates and stakeholders to ensure our transition is just. Power the Future is trying to undermine dialogue between community and environmental advocacy groups in an attempt to stop our progress.
