Climate Power Calls Build Back Better Act Framework A Historic Investment for New Mexico’s Future
SANTA FE, N.M. — Today, the White House and Congressional leadership released its framework agreement for The Build Back Better Act, which includes bold action to meet the Climate Test by putting us on the path to cut pollution in half by 2030. The bill positions the United States to take on the threat of climate change, while putting New Mexico’s already robust clean energy industry into hyperdrive, reducing costs for families, and ensuring New Mexico’s frontline communities aren’t left behind as the nation builds the next generation of energy. This framework also has the potential to create thousands of clean energy jobs in New Mexico, while simultaneously protecting the existing tourism, outdoor recreation, and agricultural jobs that New Mexicans depend on.
In response to Congressional Democrats releasing the Build Back Better Act, Lori Lodes, Executive Director for Climate Power, released the following statement:
“This is our climate moment. The historic climate investments in the Build Back Better framework put our nation on the path to cut pollution in half by 2030. It’s a huge opportunity for Congress to take on the climate crisis and make a bold investment in our country’s future. The Build Back Better Act will keep our economy growing by creating millions of good clean-energy jobs. It will lower energy bills for families, invest in the communities who’ve borne the brunt of fossil fuel pollution and put people to work protecting our public lands and waters.
This is a “code red” moment for humanity and the Build Back Better Act is our best, last chance to tackle the climate crisis and build the clean energy future we need. If we pass the Build Back Better Act and continue to make it a national priority to cut emissions in half by 2030, we will reach President Biden’s ambitious 2030 goal. This truly is our climate moment and it’s up to Congress to deliver for the American people today and for generations to come.”
New Mexicans are already experiencing the devastating effects of the climate crisis. New Mexico has gotten hotter and drier as the climate crisis has intensified and frequent heat waves present a serious public health threat. Long-term drought has drained resources and threatens the state water supply, crushing the state’s farmers and ranchers.
The devastation from these climate catastrophes has caused public demand for climate action to grow into a leading issue in New Mexico and throughout the country. Recent polling from Yale University and the Natural Defense Resources Council Action Fund shows that the majority of registered voters in New Mexico support bold climate action and clean energy investments like the ones included in the Build Back Better Act.
New Mexicans know they have among the most to gain — or lose — and they want their leaders to take climate action. Recent polling shows:
- 65% of New Mexico voters support shifting New Mexico toward renewable energy and away from oil and gas.
- 59% of New Mexico voters support shifting New Mexico toward 100% clean energy by 2035 – ten years faster than required by current law.
- 66% of New Mexico voters support cutting the cost of driving by raising vehicle fuel economy standards
- 58% support raising vehicle pollution standards.
- 68% of New Mexico voters support strong regulations to protect lands and wildlife from the effects of oil and gas production
- 85% of New Mexico voters support funding research into renewable energy sources.
- 82% of New Mexico voters support tax rebates for energy efficient vehicles or solar panels
New Mexicans know ambitious climate action will bring jobs, lower energy costs, less pollution, and a more stable climate for generations to come. This framework is a direct response to those demands for climate action and will serve as a critical foundation for more action on a local and state level in New Mexico during this most decisive decade for our planet.