Over the last several days, anger has spread over news that the country’s largest methane leak is located right here in New Mexico, near the Four Corners region, and is three times larger than originally reported. The methane leak is attributed to gas production in the area and for many New Mexicans, this dangerous human health and environmental hazard represents a wake-up call for new energy policies in our state. Lucky for us, we’re not starting from scratch to address the issue.
New Mexico has the second highest potential in the nation for solar energy. Solar is a clean and affordable energy solution and it boosts our state economy. And yet, the only way we can fully meet our solar potential is through strong policy initiatives, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Power Plan. Proposed back in June, the plan will bring historic cuts to U.S. carbon emissions while also allowing each state the flexibility to craft their own localized energy plans in order to meet the new emissions requirements.
Forty-one New Mexico solar businesses issued a letter to the White House this week, endorsing limits on carbon pollution from power plants and advocating for the role solar energy will play within the Clean Power Plan. These dozens of New Mexican businesses join well over 500 businesses from across the nation who signed on to the same letter in a clear and resounding call for action.
“As solar power installers, manufacturers, designers, aggregators, product suppliers, and consultants, we welcome the EPA’s unveiling of the Clean Power Plan,” reads the letter, “This plan is a critical step toward transforming our energy system to one that protects our health and environment, and is affordable and reliable.”
The Clean Power Plan would require power plants in New Mexico to cut carbon emissions 34 percent by 2030. The plan is open for public comment until December 1st, and could be finalized by next year. For our sunny state, the proposal could dramatically accelerate the development of clean energy across New Mexico.
“Existing generation plants are antiquated. Their operations and fuel sources contaminate air and water. The EPA is finally putting an end to this pollution and bringing these plants into compliance will be cost prohibitive. Thousands of solar systems have been installed by utilities, homes, schools and businesses across New Mexico to control long term energy costs and reduce pollution. New Mexico has the technology, industry and political will to switch to renewable energy now,” said Regina Wheeler, CEO of Positive Energy Solar a New Mexico company with offices in Las Cruces, Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
The statistics are looking brighter every day. Solar power is on the rise across the United States and the costs for installation are dropping rapidly. In New Mexico, PV installation prices fell 18% from 2013 rates for residential and commercial units. And according to the latest solar jobs census from the Solar Foundation, the solar industry now employs more than 1,900 people in New Mexico alone. As demand for solar energy continues to increase, so will solar jobs, boosting our local economy and providing a sustainable energy source for our state.
“We have customers from all persuasions. It doesn’t matter what side of the fence you’re on, everybody loves solar,” said Gayle Simmons owner of Wentz Electric. “75% of our gross receipts came from solar projects last year. There is a huge demand for clean energy here in New Mexico.”
There is no financial, social, or environmental rationale for inaction. Let’s not wait for more methane leaks and severe weather in our state to prioritize renewable energy. The climate crisis demands that we fulfill our vast potential for solar energy and the businesses here in New Mexico and across the nation are ready to rise to the challenge.
(Photo by Intel Free Press / CC)
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