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| Wilson Urges Richardson to Take Action on Biomass Plant |
October 18, 2007 |
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Renewable Energy Production Tax Credit for Torrance County Plant Denied for a Second Time
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Heather Wilson wrote a letter today to Governor Bill Richardson urging him to work with Western Water and Power Production LLC, the operator of the future Torrance County Biomass Power Plant, and approve their application for a renewable energy production tax credit. Their application was denied by the Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department for a second time.
The appeal was sent to a governing board, causing a potential delay of 60 to 90 days.
“As a renewable energy resource, the biomass electricity-generating plant is good for the Estancia Valley and New Mexico. I am asking that you work with Western Water and Power Production LLC so that the Biomass Plant can receive their critical financing to meet its scheduled power delivery date,” Wilson wrote to Governor Richardson.
PNM and Western Water and Power Production have signed a 20-year agreement to deliver renewable energy from this future 35-megawatt biomass power plant. The Torrance County Biomass Power Plant is expected to begin power deliveries in 2009. The project has plans to produce 150 construction jobs, 20-25 high paying long term power plant jobs, and an estimated 100 jobs related to local rangeland restoration and forest thinning waste removal.
Wilson wrote several letters to Governor Richardson, members of his Administration, and the Public Regulation Commission, after Cabinet Secretary Ron Curry denied an air permit for the Torrance County Biomass Power Plant.
The entire text of the letter is below:
October 15, 2007
The Honorable Bill Richardson
State Capitol Building, Room 400
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87510
Dear Governor Richardson,
It has been brought to my attention that Western Water and Power Production LLC’s application for renewable energy production tax credit for the biomass electricity-generating plant has been denied by the Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department for the second time. Furthermore, when Western Water and Power Production LLC applied for an appeal the Cabinet Secretary decided not to rule on the appeal, instead sending the appeal to a governing board. This decision has the potential of a 60-90 day delay in the process. I am told that this delay could jeopardize the financing for the project and the contract with PNM for renewable energy sources.
This project is good for New Mexico and a key component of renewable energy. This project will bring good jobs to the Estancia Valley with 150 construction jobs and 20-25 high paying long term power plant jobs. Additionally, the project would provide an estimated 100 jobs related to local rangeland restoration and forest thinning waste removal. I support this project and am concerned that Western Water and Power Production LLC has encountered multiple obstacles within State government. This project has broad support to move New Mexico into the forefront on renewable energy projects.
As a renewable energy resource, the biomass electricity-generating plant is good for the Estancia Valley and New Mexico. I am asking that you work with Western Water and Power Production LLC so that the Biomass Plant can receive their critical financing to meet its scheduled power delivery date.
Sincerely,
Heather Wilson
Member of Congress
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