New Energy Economy and the NM Environmental Law Center's Petition to Cap Emissions in NM
EIB
A Science Based Cap on Emissions is Critical to the Future of NM's Economy, Public Health, and Environment.
The EIB has scheduled hearings on the petition beginning on August 16th and continuing every day until completion. With your help we will provide a vision about how we can create a more healthy and just society by transitioning away from fossil fuels. You are invited to participate in hearings beginning August 16th. Please email us at newenergyeconomy@gmail.com if you would like more information or to let us know that you will attend the hearings.
Thank You to all of our friends and supporters that provided strong testimony on NEE's petition to set a science-based cap on emissions in NM! Click here to see the incredible response from the media as covered in Business Week! On Tuesday, March 2nd, NEE submitted expert testimony on the case which shows that the cap will have minimal impact on NM's economy, click here to see the story and check out the Santa Fe New Mexican's endorsement of the cap!
New Mexico's Opportunity to be a Leader
New Mexico currently has the opportunity to lead the nation in creating jobs and 
investment in NM's economy through energy efficiency and clean energy. NM is ranked 2nd in the nation for solar potential, 12th for wind potential, and boasts vast untapped geothermal and biomass resources. To spur innovation in the industries of tomorrow, New Energy Economy has teamed up with the New Mexico Environmental Law Center to petition the Environmental Improvement Board (EIB) of New Mexico to set a science-based cap on global warming causing emissions in NM.
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“New Mexico has some of the best renewable energy resources in the country, but we are falling behind other states. A cap on global warming emissions will spur the development of renewable energy industries and create new jobs locally.” - John Fogarty, Director, New Energy Economy
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Benefits for New Mexico of a Cap on Carbon Emissions include:
Jobs in Energy Efficiency
A carbon cap will lead to large-scale investment in energy efficiency. The easiest way to reduce emissions from energy production is to use less energy. As investment in energy efficiency increases, NM will see thousands of new jobs and will provide work for the struggling construction industries.
Investment in NM's Economy Through Clean Energy 
A cap on emissions is the necessary trigger for investment in a clean energyeconomy. Entrepreneurs are waiting for a clear policy signal from government that investment in research and development are promising for clean technology. For more info, check out the report Unlocking the Green Economy, How Carbon Pricing Can Open the Floodgates of Private Investment in Clean Energy by the Institute for Policy Integrity at the New York University School of Law.
Avoiding Escalating Ecological Consequences - A Model for Other States to Follow
Climate change, if left unchecked, will have dire effects on NM's delicate ecosystems and habitats. Setting a cap on emissions based on the best available science is absolutely critical to avoiding theses devastating consequences. By acting now, New Mexico will not only be the first state in the nation to set a cap on emissions based on science, but will set a precedent for other states to follow.
Protecting NM's Future and Public Health
John Ratmeyer, MD, from the NM Pediatric Society said, "Climate change is real. Our children need us to act now, to protect their future health and preserve our air and water quality in New Mexico. Without action to mitigate climate change, we risk crop failures, water shortages, worsening natural disasters, and more infectious and respiratory diseases, all of which disproportionately affect children."
Check out the KUNM story on NEE's petition to set a science based cap on global warming emissions.
