New Mexico's clean energy economy is built around you.
Our Emerging Energy Powerhouse and Competitive Advantage
Expanding the State and Local Economic Impact in New Mexico
New Mexico’s homegrown and world-class renewable energy has prospered into a sustainable, statewide economic engine that made us number one in the U.S. for wind energy growth in 2017. That same year, wind energy made up 14% of New Mexico’s electricity generation, relying on over 1,000 wind turbines across the state. New Mexico has greatly benefited by projects that have been completed, and already employ many New Mexicans.
This is a great start, but we can and should do more. By bringing all stakeholders together — residents, local government, educators, students, businesses and diverse interest groups — to build renewable energy projects, we can drive a community-powered, innovative, and cleaner future for the people of New Mexico.
A Diversified State and Local Economy
- Each year, wind energy projects generate 8.5 million dollars in state and local tax payments. That means local governments have more resources to fund community priorities like public education and law enforcement without burdening taxpayers.
Training, Job Creation and Retention
- New Mexico’s wind energy directly employed 3,000 workers in 2018. A thriving renewable energy economy will allow our state to train and retain high skilled workers and help the industry expand.
- In rural communities, wind energy jobs pay an average 40% higher than other jobs in those areas — so that our families have the option to stay and work in the communities they call home, rather than having to leave to find good-paying jobs elsewhere.
- One of the most important aspects of growing wind energy in New Mexico is its potential to provide a high quality of life for residents. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “employment of wind turbine service technicians is projected to grow 57 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations.
- With an annual median pay in 2018 of $54,370, these are well-paying, highly technical jobs that don’t require an expensive four-year college degree.
Industry Innovation
- Wind energy is now the cheapest power available. Engineering and manufacturing advances have driven the cost down 67% in the past decade and wind has zero fuel cost, so it is now even cheaper than coal and gas. Solar has had a similar cost decline in the past decade, and at the utility scale it is nearly as cheap as wind. New Mexico can lower electric bills and create good jobs by investing in these proven, reliable, renewable technologies.
- New Mexico needs to prioritize the construction of more renewable energy manufacturing centers, generating thousands of jobs for residents and millions of dollars for local governments.
Stronger Infrastructure and Investment
Preserving Our Culture and Protecting Our Land
Renewable energy growth in New Mexico can positively impact all communities across the state. It’s essential that minority communities can take part in this innovative economy, instead of being forced to disproportionately deal with out-of-date technologies and environmental degradation.
With 806,000 metric tons of C02 avoided and 360 million gallons of water consumption saved from renewable energy, the benefits of a cleaner environment shouldn’t be reserved to a select few. Specifically, renewable energy and advanced clean technologies should be widely available to New Mexico’s indigenous communities. Tribal lands cover more than one-tenth of the state, allowing for immense growth potential. For too long, Native New Mexicans have been left behind when new technology waves hit, so it’s essential that we increase energy equity and allow all people to partake in this boom.
New Mexico is home to a unique ecosystem of wildlife and habitat that must be responsibly protected. Renewable energy projects like wind and solar can be smartly sited and developed to ensure New Mexicans don’t have to choose between our enchanting landscape and growing economy. By making renewable energy a priority for all stakeholders, we can protect the culture of residents, create jobs, and ensure a healthier future for everyone who calls our state home.
Why ReNew Mexico?
Let's stand up for renewable energy delivery. From ranchers and small business owners to large corporations and local governments, we all have an important role to play.
Our Emerging Energy Powerhouse and Competitive Advantage
In 2018, New Mexico brought in over $3 billion in capital investment from its 18 wind projects alone. The demand is clearly there, and New Mexico has the potential to be a national leader in private industry investment that helps to meet our state’s biggest challenges and benefits all New Mexicans.
Expanding the State and Local Economic Impact in New Mexico
New Mexico’s homegrown and world-class renewable energy has prospered into a sustainable, statewide economic engine that made us number one in the U.S. for wind energy growth in 2017. That same year, wind energy made up 14% of New Mexico’s electricity generation, relying on over 1,000 wind turbines across the state. New Mexico has greatly benefited by projects that have been completed, and already employ many New Mexicans.
This is a great start, but we can and should do more. By bringing all stakeholders together — residents, local government, educators, students, businesses and diverse interest groups — to build renewable energy projects, we can drive a community-powered, innovative, and cleaner future for the people of New Mexico.
A Diversified State and Local Economy
- Each year, wind energy projects generate 8.5 million dollars in state and local tax payments. That means local governments have more resources to fund community priorities like public education and law enforcement without burdening taxpayers.
Training, Job Creation and Retention
- New Mexico’s wind energy directly employed 3,000 workers in 2018. A thriving renewable energy economy will allow our state to train and retain high skilled workers and help the industry expand.
- In rural communities, wind energy jobs pay an average 40% higher than other jobs in those areas — so that our families have the option to stay and work in the communities they call home, rather than having to leave to find good-paying jobs elsewhere.
- One of the most important aspects of growing wind energy in New Mexico is its potential to provide a high quality of life for residents. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “employment of wind turbine service technicians is projected to grow 57 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations.
- With an annual median pay in 2018 of $54,370, these are well-paying, highly technical jobs that don’t require an expensive four-year college degree.
Industry Innovation
- Wind energy is now the cheapest power available. Engineering and manufacturing advances have driven the cost down 67% in the past decade and wind has zero fuel cost, so it is now even cheaper than coal and gas. Solar has had a similar cost decline in the past decade, and at the utility scale it is nearly as cheap as wind. New Mexico can lower electric bills and create good jobs by investing in these proven, reliable, renewable technologies.
- New Mexico needs to prioritize the construction of more renewable energy manufacturing centers, generating thousands of jobs for residents and millions of dollars for local governments.
Stronger Infrastructure and Investment
Preserving Our Culture and Protecting Our Land
Renewable energy growth in New Mexico can positively impact all communities across the state. It’s essential that minority communities can take part in this innovative economy, instead of being forced to disproportionately deal with out-of-date technologies and environmental degradation.
With 806,000 metric tons of C02 avoided and 360 million gallons of water consumption saved from renewable energy, the benefits of a cleaner environment shouldn’t be reserved to a select few. Specifically, renewable energy and advanced clean technologies should be widely available to New Mexico’s indigenous communities. Tribal lands cover more than one-tenth of the state, allowing for immense growth potential. For too long, Native New Mexicans have been left behind when new technology waves hit, so it’s essential that we increase energy equity and allow all people to partake in this boom.
New Mexico is home to a unique ecosystem of wildlife and habitat that must be responsibly protected. Renewable energy projects like wind and solar can be smartly sited and developed to ensure New Mexicans don’t have to choose between our enchanting landscape and growing economy. By making renewable energy a priority for all stakeholders, we can protect the culture of residents, create jobs, and ensure a healthier future for everyone who calls our state home.