New Mexico House Speaker Brian Egolf

STATE News:

SANTA FE — Following this Thursday morning’s announcement that the U.S. Supreme Court has limited the Environment Protection Agency’s ability to regulate emissions from power plants, New Mexico Speaker of the House Brian Egolf (D-Santa Fe) and Rep. Matthew McQueen (D-Galisteo), who chairs the House Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement:

“Once again, the U.S. Supreme Court has issued a decision that legislates from the bench and blocks the will of the American people. By greatly diminishing the regulatory authority of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Court puts the interests of corporations over the interests of people, continues to destroy its own legitimacy, and makes it harder for our federal government to fight back against the existential threat of climate change.

“We are fortunate here in New Mexico to have leaders who helped us set ambitious climate goals and created pathways to achieve those goals through strong incentives for developing clean energy and stringent environmental protections, including emissions standards.

Rep. Matthew McQueen

“While New Mexico remains steadfast in our efforts to address climate change, other states that do not share our commitment to reducing emissions are now off the hook. Our environment does not stop at our state borders – lack of action by surrounding states will jeopardize our clean air and will have consequences for New Mexicans.

“As state lawmakers, we will continue to push for policies that support New Mexicans during the transition to a clean energy future. We will continue to work with our colleagues in the Senate and the Governor’s office to ensure that New Mexico can effectively regulate emissions, fight climate change, and be a global leader in renewable energy.”