New Mexico Energy Equity
New Mexico Energy Equity
Empowering New Mexico Communities
Powering up a new equitable paradigm to advance and secure our aging electric grid.
Access to safe and affordable energy matters to all New Mexicans. It impacts our economic well-being, health, and the health of our state into future generations.
BACKGROUND
In August 2023, New Mexicans gathered at the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque to share their perspective and experience with energy systems and New Mexico’s transition from fossil-fuel-dependent electricity systems to renewable energy sources. The Town Hall framework incorporated the transition across social, economic, and environmental dimensions. Town Hall leaders acknowledge that some communities have borne disproportionate burdens from energy extraction and production and sought to empower marginalized communities through democratic deliberation and decision-making processes. The Town Hall was convened by the NM SMART Grid Center, a project of NM EPSCoR*, and funded in part, by the Windward Fund, AES, and the Center for Health Innovation.
OUTCOMES
The Town Hall featured plenary sessions with energy and community experts, performances by artists and musicians, small group deliberations, and the presentation and adoption of 11 recommendations across four topic areas. All recommendations received an approval rating of more than 90%.
