About two months ago we published a SunZia update blog. In light of the Scoping Sessions in June, we wanted to give you a quick update on the SunZia Transmission Line. ReNew Mexico believes that upgrading our state’s transmission infrastructure will allow countless renewable projects to come online and enable an affordable transition to a diversified energy portfolio.
For SunZia to get online, there have been many tireless efforts for the last 15 years. New Mexico has dealt with aging infrastructure for decades now. This is why the SunZia Transmission Line was offered as a potential solution nearly fifteen years ago. What followed was a grueling thirteen year “discovery” process that included right-of-way applications, environmental impact statements, regulation commission approvals, identifying renewable customers, and obtaining permit approvals. In the midst of its final stretch in New Mexico, SunZia is now one of the top 5 most watched transmission lines in the United States looking to grow our modernized grid.
Scoping Meetings with BLM have taken place to get people’s input and concerns through the possible building on federal land. If approved SunZia will:
- power over 1 million homes with clean, renewable energy
- eliminate over 2 million tons of coal emissions
- bring part-time construction
- bring full-time maintenance and operation jobs to our Southern New Mexican communities
- foster incredible economic benefits through additional tax revenue for public services
- generate income to local landowners, which could help ranchers stay on their lands for years to come
SunZia will enable New Mexico to participate in the lucrative energy market across the West, making us a competitive regional energy exporter in renewable energy.
So, what’s next? SunZia has been in progress for nearly 15 years and is now on the brink of stimulating countless opportunities for New Mexicans and a prosperous future. In this final stage, we need to make sure our voices are heard so that the project is approved and can begin construction. SunZia is only one piece of the whole puzzle of our modernized grid. Now is the time to share your support for renewable transmission!
If you want to lend your voice and support for SunZia or future projects, click here. Let’s get it done!