I commit to protecting rural jobs by supporting renewable energy development (such as commercial wind and solar projects) and opposing taxation on energy generated by renewable energy sources.

New Mexico is at risk of falling behind on meeting our vast, important renewable energy potential. Rather than working to attract more projects to our state, some want to tax clean, renewable resources and job creators like renewable energy projects. Doing so at such an early stage would be extremely damaging and discourage potential investors from bringing more renewable projects to New Mexico, stifling the industry.

Wind energy is one of the fastest growing job markets in the country. In addition to being cheaper than all other conventional energy generation sources and thus bringing cheap energy to our homes, accelerating the growth of the state’s wind industry presents unique opportunities to our rural communities. Every year, wind projects provide over a billion dollars in state and local taxes and landowner lease payments, providing extra revenue to family farmers, schools, and other public maintenance.

We need to make sure we do everything we can to protect our rural jobs. Our communities are well-suited to take advantage of a clean energy market. By signing this statement, I pledge to oppose public policies, such as taxation, on renewable energy generation and bring clean jobs to our rural communities.