SWEEP celebrates legislative victories for affordability, local investment, and grid modernization — while successfully defending against rollbacks to climate progress.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 26, 2025
Contact:
Alex Eubanks, Southwest Energy Efficiency Project
aeubanks@swenergy.org
[SANTA FE, NM] – The Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP) commends the New Mexico Legislature for its proactive steps in the 2025 legislative session, advancing crucial bills that promote affordable utility rates, climate resilience, and the transition to clean energy. SWEEP acknowledges the Legislature’s efforts in defending against challenges that could hinder progress on clean vehicles, sustainable fuels, and updated building codes. However, SWEEP also highlights missed opportunities in passing bills aimed at reducing climate pollution and planning for future electricity demands. These issues underscore the need for continued efforts in upcoming legislative sessions.
“This was a meaningful legislative session for advancing clean energy, grid modernization, and responsible climate action,” said Alex Eubanks, New Mexico Representative for SWEEP. “Lawmakers showed that thoughtful, future-oriented energy policy can deliver real progress for New Mexicans. We’re proud to have worked alongside partners statewide to move these critical bills through the Legislature, and we urge Governor Lujan Grisham to sign them into law.”
Wins for clean energy, climate action, grid innovation, and fair utility policy
- House Bill 91 – Low-Income Utility Rates: Creates a regulatory pathway for investor-owned utilities to propose rate structures that reduce the disproportionate energy burden felt by low-income households, supporting fair and sustainable access to essential utility services across New Mexico.
- Senate Bill 48 – Community Benefit Fund: Establishes a $210 million fund to support local climate action, resilience, and economic development. Directs resources to underserved communities to implement home energy upgrades that cut waste and utility bills.
- Senate Bill 83 – Innovation in State Government Fund: Establishes a fund to help state agencies develop forward-thinking solutions to New Mexico’s most pressing challenges, including climate change and economic diversification, by supporting clean energy initiatives, workforce training, and long-term planning for a more sustainable future.
- House Bill 93 – Advanced Grid Technology Plans: Requires utilities to plan for advanced grid technologies that use existing transmission lines more efficiently, and allows cost recovery through the Grid Modernization Act to ease transmission congestion and accelerate clean energy deployment.
Blocking rollbacks: Defending climate and public health protections
- House Bill 328 – Repeal of Clean Transportation Fuel Standards would have rolled back 2023’s Clean Transportation Fuel Standards. It was defeated to protect clean fuel progress.
- House Bill 270 – Repeal of Clean Car and Truck Rules would have repealed New Mexico’s clean vehicle standards. It was defeated to preserve clean air and expand access to electric vehicles.
- House Bill 168 – Politicizing Building Code Updates would have required biased cost studies and slowed building code updates. It was defeated to protect the long-term affordability, safety, and energy efficiency of new homes.
Missed opportunities: Urgent climate and planning bills that fell short
- Senate Bill 4 – Clear Horizons Act would have codified statewide greenhouse gas emission reductions. It was tabled despite broad public support and growing climate impacts.
- House Bill 13 – Power Up New Mexico Act would have modernized utility planning to ensure a reliable supply of electricity as demand increases, and supported beneficial electrification investments to help transition to vehicles and home heating and appliances that are fueled by clean affordable electricity. The bill did not pass, but it provides a strong framework for future policy.
Looking ahead
As implementation of these legislative wins begins, SWEEP will continue working with state agencies, regulators, utilities, and partners to ensure New Mexicans see the benefits of lower bills, cleaner air, and climate resilient communities.
“This session delivered concrete steps to modernize New Mexico’s grid, support cleaner energy, reduce energy burdens, and lay the groundwork for long-term climate solutions,” said Eubanks. “We’re committed to helping carry this momentum forward — through implementation and beyond.”
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The Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP) is a public interest organization promoting greater energy efficiency, clean transportation, and beneficial electrification in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. swenergy.org
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