Energy town hall calls for changes in transmission, workforce education, and regulation

Citizens also want more emphasis on energy efficiency and research

Albuquerque, NM, May 14, 2009 – New Mexicans want a state that is a global leader in diversified energy production, including renewable and conventional energy sources. They also want a public education system that can train the energy workforce, as well as a transmission system that will carry power from where it is produced to where it is needed. They see the need for a regulatory structure that is streamlined and fair. These recommendations and others resulted from a New Mexico First statewide town hall attended by 200 people and held in Albuquerque May 14-16. The town hall produced a total of 18 recommendations, each reflecting the consensus of the participants.

The event, titled “Growing New Mexico’s Energy Economy,” brought together a wide range of citizens from over 30 New Mexico communities. They came from small, medium, and large towns representing business, education, environment, youth, and government interests.

“We had an amazing group of committed citizens at the energy town hall,” said Heather Balas, president of New Mexico First. “They recognized that conservation is critical, while also focusing on New Mexico’s potential to be a world-class producer of both conventional and renewable energy.”

The town hall also called for:

Investments in research in all areas of conventional and renewable energy technology, including storage and algae-based biodiesel
Public awareness on energy conservation
Increased use of efficient building codes
Energy rates that are fair to utility companies, average consumers, and low-income users
Development of new power plants, both renewable and conventional
A comprehensive state energy plan

The town hall recommendations will be advocated to state and local leaders by an Implementation Team comprised of volunteers from the event. A full report on the results of the town hall will be released in about two weeks and will be posted at www.nmfirst.org.