New Mexico Climate Change Task Force Seeks Public Input Through New Online Survey

EMNRD News:

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Climate Change Task Force encourages the public to participate in a new survey as the state seeks input to guide their ongoing climate work.

Public input is a critical component of their climate strategy as they look to meet their emissions reduction goals, as well as boost the state’s resilience to the effects of climate change.

The work of the Task Force, which is co-chaired by the cabinet secretaries of the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) and Environment Department (NMED), continued throughout the pandemic and subgroups were created to explore how to move their current strategies forward and develop new ones.

Accomplishments to date include passage of the Energy Transition Act, new solar market development tax credits for homeowners and businesses, adoption of modern statewide building codes, completion of the Renewable Energy Transmission Authority (RETA) study on transmission corridors for renewable energy, and a statewide natural gas waste reduction rule. More accomplishments and strategies underway are detailed in the Task Force’s annual strategy document.

Their work is at a critical juncture and now is the ideal time to solicit feedback from the public on their progress and next steps. As the state moves forward with the directives set forth in Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s Executive Order on Addressing Climate Change and Energy Waste Prevention, we also look toward the future.

Their current and proposed climate strategies will significantly reduce our greenhouse gas emissions profile by 2030—but reaching their targets will require renewed ambition and additional action. It is vital that this additional action reflect the priorities of communities across New Mexico.

“The Task Force invites all New Mexicans to take part in the survey and identify what matters most to communities when it comes to climate action,” EMNRD Cabinet Secretary Sarah Cottrell Propst said. “Our work will be most impactful if all New Mexicans are represented in our climate plans.”

“Our state is proud of its diverse population, and we want to make sure our work is inclusive of every New Mexican,” NMED Cabinet Secretary James Kenney said. “We are committed to ensuring our climate strategy is an equitable one, and we can’t do that without your voice.”

The survey results will be used to help the Climate Change Task Force prioritize new climate strategies over the next five years. The Task Force, along with a stakeholder advisory group, will review the survey results alongside data on emissions and economic impacts of different strategies. It will also be guided by a set of climate equity principles developed by community leaders and experts from across the state.

The survey is available in English and Spanish and will be open through July 15.

The Task Force leadership team will also hold interactive, virtual outreach sessions with community-based organizations upon request through this summer as staff availability allows. Please contact us if your organization is interested in a session.

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