| A Clean Energy Economy in New Mexico |
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New Mexico stands ready to become a leader in a new, clean energy economy. Our country’s dependence on foreign oil threatens our economy and security. We need to take bold steps to become energy independent by growing a clean energy economy. With investments in renewable energy, we can create new jobs in a variety of industries. We can put scientists and engineers to work solving problems holding back wide scale renewable energy use. Los Alamos National Laboratory is conducting research to make it easier to store and transport energy generated from renewable sources. In New Mexico, we are already ahead of the game--ready to take advantage of these investments. We instituted a Renewable Portfolio Standard, one of the strongest in the nation. We developed energy efficiency standards. Our schools in the Third Congressional District are already training students for the jobs of the future in clean energy generation—training students in towns like Espanola, Farmington, Santa Fe, Rio Rancho, Taos, Portales, Las Vegas and Tucumcari. American Clean Energy and Security Act Rep. Luján joined his colleagues to vote for the American Clean Energy and Security Act (HR 2454), which will create clean energy jobs, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and save billions of dollars long term. The Act included language that Rep. Lujan worked on to provide funding for clean energy job training and include Hispanic Serving Institutions and Tribal Colleges as Innovation Hubs for clean energy research. The American Clean Energy and Security Act passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 219 to 212. “Our country’s dependence on foreign oil threatens our economy and security. We need to take bold steps to become energy independent by growing a new energy economy. Comprehensive energy reform will reduce our dependence on foreign oil, making us more secure as a nation. The American Clean Energy and Security Act will help us begin to achieve these goals,” said Rep. Ben Ray Luján. “For too long we have accepted the status quo on energy. Now, with the American Clean Energy and Security Act, we can put America on a path to energy independence, make America the global leader in energy technology, cut costly and harmful pollution, create new jobs, and save billions in the long run. The American Clean Energy and Security Act will make sure that the next generation can build on this new foundation of opportunity. The legislation is an important step as we transition to a clean energy economy,” said Rep. Ben Ray Luján. In May, prior to the beginning of the Energy and Commerce Committee’s markup of the bill, Rep. Luján sent a letter to Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman and Rep. Edward Markey, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment. The letter outlined his priorities for job training and education, a 25 percent Renewable Electricity Standard (RES), investment in smart grid advancement and transmission infrastructure, and comprehensive climate change legislation to reduce green house gas emissions. Rep. Luján wrote another letter to the Chairmen Waxman and Markey, highlighting three areas in the bill that he believed should be strengthened. His letter called for a higher RES, increased energy efficiency incentives for utilities, and broader net metering requirements to make net metering available to homeowners and other markets.
Rep. Luján’s Provisions in the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES) Funding for Clean Energy Job Training
“A strong and robust clean energy economy can power our country and lift communities out of poverty and into the middle class. I’m excited that funding was included in the American Clean Energy and Security Act for clean energy job training that can spur economic growth in New Mexico and in communities across the country,” said Rep. Ben Ray Luján. “Rep. Luján has been a strong leader on supporting clean energy job training and education that will ensure equity and opportunity in the new economy. We thank him for his willingness to advocate on behalf of these issues, and for his efforts toward incorporating job training language into the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009,” said Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins, CEO, Green For All. Rep. Luján worked with Chairman Waxman to ensure that ACES included strong support for green jobs training and education programs. After committee markup, Rep. Luján organized a meeting with Chairmen Waxman and Markey to meet with CHC Members and discuss clean energy job training and education. As a result of these efforts, Chairman Waxman included a provision in his Manager’s Amendment that allocates allowance value to the Green Jobs Act (Title X of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007). In 2012 and 2013, 0.75% of allowance value – an estimated $860 million – is allocated to the Green Jobs Act. The Green Jobs Act trains workers, particularly those from disadvantaged communities, for jobs in the clean energy economy. The Green Jobs Act also creates green pathways out of poverty. Workers who are at the margins of the current economy will be provided with the training and support necessary to gain middle-class careers in the green economy. Hispanic Serving Institutions and Tribal Colleges as Clean Energy Innovation Hubs “I thank Representative Luján for his important work on this bill, particularly with the Clean Energy Innovation Hubs. We have an opportunity to reshape our energy system in a way that develops the economy and brings opportunity to underserved populations. The work of Representative Luján will ensure that this opportunity extends to Hispanic Serving Institutions and Tribal Colleges and the scientists, engineers, and big thinkers affiliated with them,” said Chairman Edward Markey. “Hispanic Serving Institutions and Tribal Colleges need to be included in a clean energy economy. The research that we conduct at these institutions can educate the next generation of scientists and researchers, and ensure that no community is left behind as we transition to a clean energy economy. New Mexico is home to many Hispanic Serving Institutions and Tribal Colleges that can become important research hubs and make our state a leader in producing scientists, engineers and other professionals for a clean energy economy,” said Rep. Ben Ray Luján. Rep. Luján worked with Chairman Markey to incorporate language in the Innovation Hubs section of the bill that supports Hispanic Serving Institutions and Tribal Colleges. The Energy Innovation Hubs are made up of consortia of university and private research communities, industry, national laboratories and other energy innovation participants to develop and transfer clean energy technology into the marketplace. Rep. Luján’s language specifies that in establishing three of the eight Energy Innovation Hubs under this section, the Secretary of Energy is required to give special consideration to consortium applicants that include at least one Hispanic Serving Institution or Tribal College.
Innovation for Energy Independence We must make a commitment to restore science and innovation as the keys to a new American economy. Innovation is the future for New Mexico, and it is up to us to ensure that those new solar panels, chips for computers, and a workforce for the 21st century are built right here in New Mexico. New Mexicans can and will make America a cleaner, more prosperous, and safer place for all of us. Rep. Luján understands that we must build and improve on new transmission infrastructure while incorporating new technologies that will improve efficiency. Rep. Luján is committed to supporting fundamental research and development in areas such as energy storage and large-scale concentrated solar generation. Rep. Luján supports comprehensive transmission planning that will allow for the deliverability of new renewable technologies, create greater economic development in rural areas, and improve the reliability and security of our nation’s power. We must develop renewable technologies that have the ability to store millions of watts of electrical energy that can be released back into our electric grid, so we can take full advantage of the abundant renewable potential in the U.S. and New Mexico. Rep. Luján also supports investment in a smart electric grid—a grid that will support energy efficiency, lower consumer energy costs and support our growing renewable energy industry as it creates jobs for the future.
Training Our Workforce for a Clean Energy Economy To ensure the success of the clean energy movement, we must prepare and train our workforce for careers in the new green economy. Rep. Luján strongly supports the development of curriculum and training programs that prepare students and workers for the jobs of the future. He understands the unique needs of rural, economically disadvantaged and minority communities, and is committed to ensuring that all workers have access to green jobs training. Congress is investing resources into the clean energy economy, and this means real jobs for real people. Rep. Luján supports increased renewable energy curriculum development in our universities and community colleges, so our students can become trained and certified to work in renewable industries like wind and solar. Rep. Luján believes in investing in internship programs that will provide students hands-on opportunities with commercial applications. He supports investment in teacher training programs so our teachers are well versed on the latest clean energy technologies. Preparing our workforce is a key component for a successful transition to a clean energy economy, and the Rep. Luján supports a serious and significant investment in green jobs education and training. Rep. Luján introduced the Community College Energy Training Act of 2009, which will support the training of technicians to work in the wind, solar, geothermal and biomass energy sectors. The bill also will cover other energy-related occupations, including energy-efficient construction and retrofitting, recycling and waste reduction, water and energy conservation, and sustainable agriculture. Several colleges and universities in the Third Congressional District are already preparing students for a clean energy economy. Our schools, many across the district are training students for the jobs of the future in clean energy generation--in towns like Espanola, Farmington, Santa Fe, Rio Rancho, Taos, Portales, Las Vegas and Tucumcari. The Northern New Mexico College Solar Energy Research Park and Academy, the North American Wind Research Center at Mesalands Community College and the Renewable Energy Program at San Juan Community College are all helping students in the district learn new skills to participate in a clean energy economy. In Congress, Rep. Lujan will look for ways to support these programs.
Investments in energy efficiency will help move New Mexico toward energy independence, create green jobs, and save families and businesses money. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act made significant investments in energy efficiency improvements in New Mexico. Communities can use these investments to improve energy efficiency by performing energy audits, retrofitting homes and businesses, and creating new programs encouraging energy efficiency improvements.
Listen to Rep. Luján Talk About Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency
Rep. Luján Discuss the Importance of Passing the American Clean Energy and Security Act
Rep. Luján Delivers a Floor Speech on Renewable Energy
Rep. Luján Discusses Clean Energy on the Floor
Rep. Luján Offers an Amendment to Promote Sustainability and Energy Efficiency
New Mexico Renewable Energy Resources and Links New Mexico Energy Conservation and Management Division New Mexico Renewable Energy Transmission Authority New Mexico Public Regulation Commission, Renewable Energy New Mexico Assessment for Biomass Resources New Mexico Building Energy Codes Industrial Technologies Program Activities in New Mexico New Mexico Hydropower Resources Report Green Power Resources in New Mexico Tribal Energy Program Projects in New Mexico Transportation Fuel Vehicle Incentives and Laws in New Mexico |
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