NM Groups: State Should Lead the Nation in Greenhouse Gas Reduction

A group promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency has petitioned New Mexico’s Environmental Improvement Board to adopt new regulations to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the state. If passed, New Energy Economy believes the rules would place New Mexico at the front of U.S. states in fighting the effects of global warming and climate change pollution. The rules are designed to reduce dramatically greenhouse gas emissions over the next decade.

Bruce Frederick, with the New Mexico Environmental Law Center, says global warming is already having a direct impact on the state, especially its fragile water supply.

"We are already having prolonged drought, reductions in snow melt, snow pack, reductions in precipitation, and average precipitation."

Frederick says the proposed regulations would have financial benefits, as well as environmental benefits.

"We think this will attract green businesses to the state, attract investment and also even attract federal dollars, ultimately."

A preliminary hearing on the environmental petition is scheduled in Santa Fe on April 6, and is open to the public. Some scientists, and others, argue reducing such pollution won't slow or stop what they call the natural process of climate change.

For more information, visit www.nmenvirolaw.org