Rep. Larry R. ScottSTATE News:
SANTA FE ― House Bill 445, “Reduce Renewable Portfolio Standards” sponsored by Rep. Rep. Larry R. Scott, D-Lea County has passed the House by a close vote of 33-32. Several Republicans voted against the measure.
HB 445 repeals part of the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) that requires New Mexico public utilities to generate 20 percent of their electricity from renewable energy by 2020, as required in the Renewable Energy Act. This bill would eliminate a portion of that act, keeping the rate at the current 15 percent and preventing it from being increased.
“The renewable energy industry in New Mexico benefits our economy. It creates more jobs per dollar invested than fossil fuel resources. Solar is the fast growing industry in our state” Rep. Jeff Steinborn, D-Dona Ana. “The current 15 percent has already spurred hundreds of megawatts of wind, solar and geothermal energy and thousands of jobs in New Mexico. Increasing renewable energy generated to 20 percent will only benefit the state.”
“This is an assault on the renewable energy industry. Refusing to increase renewable energy generated to 20 percent by 2020 would thwart future development in this area, including the jobs and long-term savings that come with it. We need to continue to diversify our economy and fostering renewable energy is one way to accomplish that goal,” Rep. Matthew McQueen, D-Galisteo, said.
HB 445 now goes to the Senate.
