ReNew Mexico launched a new blog campaign to profile the impactful work of our partner organizations around the state. Check out our newest blog below which details ReNew Mexico’s recent conversation with Myra Pancrazio, the Executive Director of EVEDA.
Our partner, the Estancia Valley Economic Development Association (EVEDA), is an organization dedicated to improving the area’s quality of life through building jobs that generate disposable income and tax revenue. EVEDA had a very successful 2020, despite the COVID-19 pandemic. They have been involved in bringing in manufacturing, agriculture, and aviation to the Estancia Valley. Currently, EVEDA is involved with moving forward two large wind projects, three transmission projects, manufacturing in renewable energy technology parts, ancillary and circuit products, and developing a hemp processing facility in Estancia. EVEDA has also been in discussions with further possibilities in gas and solar facilities and a large pipe manufacturing facility in Moriarty.
In the face of unprecedented changes, EVEDA’s priorities have not changed. They are focused on being in tune with existing small businesses and ensuring all possible funds and resources are made available to them. They believe renewable energy can better aid our economic recovery moving forward by streamlining the application process for developers, which can take several years to complete. EVEDA believes New Mexico could be the first state to streamline the process and have the necessary information in one place. However, New Mexico also needs to better advertise that it’s pursuing renewable energy in order to bring in bigger contractors.
To ensure New Mexico remains fiscally responsible as we transition to a new energy economy with clean energy and storage, EVEDA would like to see better communication between local and state officials to ensure economic developers in rural communities are involved every step of the way. There are many steps toward bringing these industries to local economies that involve an understanding of planning, zoning, land rules, and IRB’s, for example. Ensuring that strong communication is in place is key to having project approvals run smoothly.
The Estancia Valley Economic Development Association is a powerful force to be reckoned with in New Mexico. Their tireless efforts have brought forth countless economic opportunities to their communities and the rest of the state would do well to follow their example and foresight as we continue fostering a clean energy economy. ReNew Mexico is proud to call them a partner, and our team is excited to continue supporting their exciting upcoming renewable energy efforts.
You can learn more about EVEDA’s work here.