We have spoken frequently about the need for transmission in order to establish an equitable energy future powered by New Mexico’s vast renewable resources. Upgrading our state’s transmission infrastructure will allow countless renewable projects to come online and enable an affordable transition to a diversified energy portfolio. Developing our transmission infrastructure will also attract more investors and businesses who will bring jobs, revenue, and new industries to our state.
But, the process of developing new transmission can be long and challenging, involving decades of getting approvals, environmental impact statements, and navigating changing political climates.
Luckily for us, though, our state already has a few projects at the tail end of these processes- meaning we’re just a few steps away from reaping the benefits of renewable energy transmission!
One such project is the Western Spirit Line, which began construction a few months ago. The other is referred to as ”SunZia.”
New Mexico has suffered under aging infrastructure for decades now. And that’s why, nearly fifteen years ago, the SunZia Transmission Line was offered as a potential solution. 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. Now, SunZia Transmission is in the final stretch in New Mexico.
Once completed, the line will power over 1 million homes with clean, renewable energy and eliminate over 2 million tons of coal emissions. The line will bring part-time construction and full-time maintenance and operation jobs to our Southern New Mexican communities and incredible economic benefits such as additional tax revenue for our public services and much-needed income to local landowners, which could help ranchers stay on their lands for years to come. Above all, SunZia will enable New Mexico to participate in the lucrative energy market across the West, making us a competitive regional energy exporter.
So, what’s next? SunZia has been in progress for nearly 15 years and is now on the brink of unlocking countless opportunities for New Mexicans and a prosperous future. SunZia will be reviewed further this year, which will determine the future of the project. In this final stage, we need to make sure our voices are heard so that the project is approved and can begin construction. Now is the time to share your support for renewable transmission!
If you want to lend your voice and support for SunZia, send an email to info@renewmexico.org. Let’s get it done!