Gov. Lujan Grisham signs landmark energy bill
The Associated Press, KOB
March 22, 2019 05:13 PM
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - Making good on a campaign promise, New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has signed landmark legislation that will mandate more solar panels and wind turbines as the state sets ambitious new renewable energy goals.
The Democratic governor, environmentalists and others gathered at the state capitol Friday for a signing ceremony.
The measure requires that investor-owned utilities generate at least 50 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2030. That jumps to 80 percent by 2040.
A 100 percent carbon-free mandate would kick in five years later. Electric co-ops that provide power to more rural areas would have until 2050 to meet that goal.
Aside from the renewable energy quotas, funds will be established to help ease the economic pains of closing the coal-fired San Juan Generating Station near Farmington.
Credits
The Associated Press, KOB
Updated: March 22, 2019 05:13 PM
Created: March 22, 2019 01:21 PM
Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
