Help make clean energy a reality for rural New Mexico!
On November 21, the Public Regulation Commission (PRC) will meet to hear public comments on a proposed rulemaking to take the next step to ensure New Mexico's rural electricity providers generate electricity sourced by renewable energy. New Mexico has 19 rural electric cooperatives (co-ops) statewide, which provide electricity to over 434,000 households. The proposed rulemaking, Renewable Energy for Rural Electric Cooperatives, aims to set standards for rural co-ops to provide 40% renewable energy by 2025, 50% by 2030, and at least 80% by 2050.
This hearing could not be more timely. New Mexico is facing a climate crisis, and we are at a crucial crossroads. Based on 2023 estimates by the Environmental Defense Fund, New Mexico is projected to miss our 2030 climate pollution reduction targets by between 26-36 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents. We need to act to mitigate the worst of climate change and catch up with our partners in the US Climate Alliance States, many of which have utilities that are on track to reach 90% decarbonization by 2030.
Conservation Voters New Mexico encourages you to help show your support for these standards by signing our petition.
Dear Commissioners,
I strongly support the Public Regulation Commission's (PRC) proposed renewable portfolio standards for rural electric cooperatives. We believe these standards significantly benefit the environment and represent the most cost-effective approach for rural communities.
Given the 2023 estimates from the Environmental Defense Fund, it is critical to address New Mexico's projected shortfall in meeting our 2030 climate pollution reduction goals by 26-36 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents. New Mexico is lagging behind many other US Climate Alliance States in greenhouse gas emissions reductions. In fact, several utilities across the nation are already on track to achieve 90% decarbonization by 2030.
I fully support the proposed renewable portfolio standard of:
- 40% renewable energy by 2025
- 50% renewable energy by 2030
- At least 80% renewable energy by 2050
However, I urge rural electric cooperatives to treat these targets as minimums and strive to achieve them more rapidly, to reach 100% renewable energy by 2050 or sooner. I encourage the PRC to leverage its authority to create incentives that promote early action, accelerating progress toward these essential targets.
Furthermore, I support the proposed Zero Carbon Resource Standard, which mandates that rural electric cooperatives provide customers with electricity generated from 100% zero-carbon resources by 2050. This standard should be considered a minimum requirement, and we call upon cooperatives to work diligently to reach this goal well before the 2050 deadline.
In addition, I call for the PRC to establish clear annual targets and implement concrete technology pathways to ensure we meet these critical objectives. We cannot afford to delay action or rely on uncertain future developments. The time for decisive action is now.
I respectfully ask the PRC to take immediate steps toward adopting these enhanced renewable energy standards for our rural electric cooperatives so we can protect our environment, aid in climate action, and ensure a sustainable energy future for our communities.
[Your comment here]
Sincerely,
[Your name here]
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