New Mexico Reports on Strong Action to Lead on Climate Under Gov. Lujan Grisham

(SANTA FE, NM) New Mexico’s Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department and Environment Department today issued a report on the state’s activities in the past year following Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s sweeping January 2019 executive order, which aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions statewide by at least 45% by 2030. The order also directed state agencies to develop policies to encourage clean energy deployment, curb climate pollution and cut energy wasted from the oil and gas industry through the intentional and unintentional release of methane, a powerful pollutant.

“New Mexico should be proud of what Gov. Lujan Grisham and her administration have set in motion to address climate change after just 11 short months on the job. The report powerfully  underscores that to achieve the reductions promised, New Mexico must a deploy multi-sector policy that puts an overall limit on statewide pollution that declines over time, while utilizing a flexible, market-based approach to meet that limit to ensure access to the lowest-cost pollution reductions. The report also boldly prioritizes actions to cut oil and gas emissions, seizing an opportunity to protect air quality, limit energy waste and increase funding for education.

“What the next year holds will be critical. Getting enforceable, nationally-leading methane pollution-reducing regulations on the books will help protect the lungs and the livelihood of New Mexicans who deserve clean air and a safe environment. Moreover, beginning the regulatory process to design and implement a cost-effective, market-based program will be essential to meeting our climate targets

• Jon Goldstein, Director of Regulatory & Legislative Affairs, Environmental Defense Fund

Additional Background

Gov. Lujan Grisham’s January 2019 executive order endorsed the goals of the Paris Agreement and added New Mexico to the U.S. Climate Alliance. The order also set critical targets for reductions in greenhouse gas pollution by committing New Mexico to achieving at least 45% below 2005 levels by 2030, and directed the state’s regulatory agencies to enact comprehensive, statewide regulations to dramatically cut methane pollution and waste from the oil and gas industry – a process that commenced through the state’s Methane Advisory Panel, and is expected to lead to rule promulgation next year.