Energy

New Mexico is home to many diverse energy resources and has long been a leader in energy production. As a nation, we need to become more energy independent, lower energy costs for our families and build a clean energy economy in New Mexico that can create new jobs in our state. Rep. Luján is committed to a clean energy future that will eliminate America’s dependence on foreign oil and produce affordable, sustainable energy.

Promoting a Renewable Energy Standard. Rep. Luján worked closely with Congressman Peter Welch to reintroduce the American Renewable Energy and Efficiency Act, which would require electric utilities, by 2030, to obtain at least 30 percent of their electricity supply from renewable sources, achieve a 20 percent reduction in electricity use, and reduce natural gas use by 13 percent.

“Promoting the use of renewable energy and increased energy efficiency is not only good for our environment, but it is good for our economy and for consumers,” Congressman Luján said.  “A number of states, including New Mexico, have taken the lead with a renewable energy standard, and a national standard will further encourage the development of a clean energy economy that creates good jobs and enhances our economic competitiveness. This legislation will also help hard-working families by lowering energy bills and putting more money back in their pockets.”

Building a Clean Energy Economy. Rep. Luján worked with Congressman John Delaney and Senator Ben Cardin to push Congress to support a national goal of more than 50% clean and carbon-free energy by 2030. In a show of significant support for this initiative, the “50x30 Resolutions” are cosponsored by 30 Senators and 103 House Members.

“Across the country and in my home state of New Mexico, the American people are already experiencing the devastating impacts of climate change, from more extreme fires and record drought to more severe storms, said Congressman Luján.  “Transitioning to a clean energy economy can mitigate these worsening effects while spurring innovative new sectors that will create jobs and economic opportunities in our communities. A national goal of 50 percent clean and carbon free electricity by 2030 establishes a realistic marker that will challenge our country and accelerate action that is good for our economy, our national security, and our health.”

Supporting Renewable Energy in New Mexico. From his position on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Rep. Luján advocates for the incentives driving investment in renewable energy. He is a long-time supporter of the (Energy) Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and Production Tax Credit (PTC), and has sought long-term extensions for both to ensure continued investment in a clean energy future. Congressman Luján also supported the omnibus appropriations bill that extended the wind PTC for five years and the solar ITC for five years, which will create or support thousands of renewable energy jobs in New Mexico and across the country.

"We need to expand and extend tax credits that encourage renewable energy production and stabilize the industry," said Luján. "This aggressive investment in wind, solar, and biofuels - will create millions of new clean energy jobs in the United States and help build a new trillion dollar economy. We need to modernize our energy grid to accommodate clean energy production, and we need heavy investment in research and development to make renewable energy easier to store and transport--so it can make its way to homes throughout the country."

Supporting Natural Gas.Rep. Luján supported the Natural Gas Vehicles Research and Development Act which wouldprovide for research, development, and demonstration on natural gas vehicles. He also cosponsored the New Alternative Transportation to Give Americans Solutions Act (NAT GAS Act) and wrote a letter to President Obama encouraging the President to consider natural gas vehicles as part of his plan to achieve his executive order for government vehicles to reduce their petroleum use by 30 percent.