FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, April 14, 2009

CONTACT:
Staci Stevens, 202.294.3101
Molly Brook, 651.357.0773

Groups Look Towards Energy Policy Conference in Hobbs with Hopeful Eyes

HOBBS, NM — The New Mexico Center for Energy Policy conference today at the Lea County Event Center in Hobbs will feature speeches by U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman, U.S. Rep. Harry Teague and Diane Denish, Lt. Governor of New Mexico.

The conference will feature several sessions that focus on renewable energy policy and technology, including solar, wind, biomass and geothermal. Other renewable energy topics will include the automobile technology, electricity transmission and the grid, clean energy, carbon cap and trade proposals, federal regulation, climate change and renewable energy in a changing economy.

At the end of last week Governor Richardson signed legislation that will make it more affordable for residential and commercial property owners to install solar, wind or geothermal energy systems. Karyn Stockdale, Executive Director of the New Mexico state office of the Audubon Society stated, “Our governor has taken important steps towards advancing renewable energy in New Mexico. It is our hope that Senator Bingaman and Rep. Teague will follow suit and pave the way for New Mexico to be a leading force in renewable energy production. Moving America to clean energy will generate millions of green jobs, break our dependence on oil and reduce the carbon pollution that causes global warming.”

A diverse coalition of more than 50 groups from New Mexico including not only environmental advocacy groups but also State Legislators, faith based groups, and businesses sent a letter to President Obama last month asking for strong energy and climate change legislation this year. Sandy Buffett, Executive Director of Conversation Voters New Mexico stated, “Following the passage of several bold 'green jobs' bills by the New Mexico legislature, the message is loud and clear-- New Mexicans want a national clean energy plan that takes advantage of our abundant solar and wind to create clean, high-wage jobs here in New Mexico.  Now its up to our congressional delegation to seize this mandate.” 

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