House Bill 6 governor priority for 2022 legislative session

SANTA FE – The Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) on Friday announced that House Bill 6, the Clean Future Act has been pre-filed by Representative Nathan Small. The bill will be sponsored in the Senate by Senator Siah Correa Hemphill. This bill requires New Mexico to have net-zero emissions by 2050, among other things, and is a governor’s priority bill. 

Led by the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, the Clean Future Act (CFA) would establish New Mexico’s emissions reductions targets in statute. Specifically, the CFA establishes the following targets:

• By 2030, statewide direct greenhouse gas emissions must be 50% below 2005 levels;

• By 2050, all statewide greenhouse gas emissions must be fully offset (“net zero”); and
• In 2050 and beyond, direct greenhouse gas emissions will also be capped at 10% of 2005 levels, ensuring a further reduction of absolute emissions from the 2030 goal. This cap ensures emissions do not rebound just because they can be offset. 

“Codifying this administration’s aggressive climate goals makes sure that New Mexico stays on a clear and continuous path toward net zero, no matter who is in the Roundhouse,” said Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. “There is truly no time to lose in mitigating the impacts of climate change, and this legislation builds upon our significant progress to continue to meaningfully address this challenge.”

The bill also lays out:

• A requirement that the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) petition the Environmental Improvement Board no later than June 30, 2025, to promulgate rules to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from sources subject to the Air Quality Control Act.
• Annual reporting requirements for state government on emissions and emission reduction activities, including the impacts of climate change on disproportionately impacted communities.
• Annual reporting from EMNRD and NMED on the state’s progress toward meeting the greenhouse gas emissions limits established in the act. These reports, and the actions described in them, will prioritize coordination with and consideration of environmental and economic progress for disproportionately impacted communities.
• Requirements for agencies to evaluate and identify annual additional policies and strategies to reduce emissions, such as energy efficiency opportunities for low-income households.

“The Clean Future Act is an important starting point for additional climate action in New Mexico,” said EMNRD Secretary Sarah Cottrell Propst. “We look forward to incorporating the public’s feedback and advancing this bill during the legislative session.”  

“We are entering the race to net zero carbon emissions with the draft Clean Future Act,” said NMED Secretary James Kenney. “Once signed into law, reducing greenhouse gas emissions will remain a top priority for New Mexico for years to come.” 

“I’m proud to sponsor the Clean Future Act which once again shows New Mexico’s commitment to greenhouse gas reductions,” said Representative Nathan Small. “By reducing emissions we can ensure a healthier environment for all New Mexicans.” 

Members of the public are encouraged to submit comments on the bill to 2022act@state.nm.us by noon, Tuesday, January 18, 2022.