Gov. Lujan Grisham and New Mexico embark on a path to 100 percent carbon-free electricity

Land of Enchantment joins California, Hawaii and D.C. as renewable energy leaders

Environment America

SANTA FE, N.M. — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has signed the state’s groundbreaking Energy Transition Act (ETA) into law, meaning that by 2045, the Land of Enchantment should be fully powered by clean, carbon-free electricity.

The ETA, which passed the State Senate and House with bipartisan support, instructs New Mexico utilities to get at least 50 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2030, 80 percent by 2040, and 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2045. Following Hawaii and California, the Land of Enchantment is the third state with a 100 percent clean electricity law on the books.

Rob Sargent, senior director of Environment America’s Clean Energy program, issued the following statement:

“We need to take bold action against climate change, and by passing the Energy Transition Act, New Mexico is setting a prime example for how states can take the mantle of leadership. We look forward to working with Gov. Lujan Grisham to ensure that New Mexico achieves the new law’s targets.

“We now have three states committed to 100 percent clean, renewable electricity, and momentum is building. From Minnesota and Illinois in the heartland to Washington, Massachusetts and Florida on the coasts, several states are currently considering 100 percent bills.

“As sea levels and global temperatures rise higher and higher, so does Americans’ desire to address climate change as quickly as possible. Given inaction at the federal level, states are primed to lead the transition from fossil fuels to 100 percent renewable energy.

“Our hats are off to the Energy Transition Act’s sponsors, state Sens. Jacob Candelaria and Mimi Stewart and Rep. Nathan Small for their foresight and tenacity. We’re also grateful for the leadership from our colleague, Environment New Mexico state director Sanders Moore, who Candelaria called ‘the general of the bill.’ Sanders and our many allies worked tirelessly to help lawmakers bring a brighter future to their constituents, and set a strong example for other states to follow.

“We’re looking forward to working with forward-thinking leaders across the country to keep building this wave of clean energy progress.”

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Environment America is the national federation of statewide, citizen-based advocacy organizations working for a cleaner, greener, healthier future.