SANTA FE, N.M. – Today, the New Mexico Senate failed to pass the Clear Horizons Act, SB 18, leaving the state without a long-term plan to reduce climate pollution and manage the rising costs already hitting New Mexico families.
The Clear Horizons Act would have required New Mexico to drive real emissions reductions and prepare for the climate damages, the price of which communities are already paying.Instead, today’s vote leaves frontline neighborhoods with more pollution and fewer tools to hold industry accountable.
Polls repeatedly show New Mexicans support reductions of climate pollution and investment in clean air and safe communities.
Statements by Earthworks New Mexico Field Advocate Mandy Sackett and Senior Manager for State Policy Andrew Forkes-Gudmundson:
“As a thermographer, I see first hand how much pollution is still pouring into New Mexico’s air. The failure to enact commonsense protections means communities keep paying the price. Oil and gas pollution may be invisible to the naked eye, but neighbors feel them in real ways, from headaches and burning throats to hours of flaring and choking odors outside their homes.
“We have the technology to find the leaks and the knowledge to cut them, but today the Senate chose delay over action.” — Mandy Sackett, New Mexico Lead Campaigner
“With this vote today, the New Mexico senate has failed to meet the moment. While the federal government dismantles climate regulations left and right, New Mexico needs to tackle greenhouse gas emissions head on. Instead a majority of the Senate voted to take no action.
“We appreciate the efforts of President Pro Tempore Mimi Stewart and Governor Lujan-Grisham for their leadership, and will continue working with them to improve the lives of all New Mexicans.” – Andrew Forkes-Gudmundson, Senior Manager for State Policy.