SANTA FE — Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham on Saturday announced the introduction of the Resource Sustainability and Security Act, legislation that will help New Mexico prepare for the impacts of climate change, implement initiatives to make state government more sustainable, and boost local businesses and procurement. 

Introduced by Representative Melanie Stansbury, HB 28 creates a framework to help address climate change in New Mexico and prepare the state to respond to its impacts. The bill directs every state agency to develop and implement a climate resilience and sustainability plan, examining how each agency’s mission, infrastructure and budget will be impacted by climate change. Complementing Gov. Lujan Grisham’s third executive order, the bill creates a state government council co-chaired by the secretaries of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, the Environment Department and the General Services Department and led by a chief sustainability and resilience officer, tasked with directing the state agencies’ efforts to address climate change and greening state government. Additionally, HB 28 directs state agencies to increase water and energy efficiency, reduce waste, and support sustainable and local procurement policies. 

Building upon the climate executive order, the bill establishes a structure and statutory authorities through which critical work to address climate change and sustainability efforts will be carried out by state agencies in the years to come.

“With only a few states in the country taking decisive action on climate change, HB 28 underscores New Mexico’s position as a national leader on the issue,” Gov. Lujan Grisham said. “This bill will ensure that New Mexico state agencies prepare for climate change and take action that will address the potential long-term impacts statewide.”

“Helping our communities prepare for the impacts of climate change is critical,” said Rep. Stansbury. “This bill represents a paradigm shift in our thinking and how we prepare for a more sustainable future and the kinds of changes we already are seeing in this state with drought, wildfire, and other impacts. In New Mexico, our cultures and traditions are tied to our land—preparing for a more resilient future while supporting our economy is critical to the future and security of our state.”