Speaker’s 2021 New Mexico Climate Summit Delivers Results, Reveals Major Announcement from Governor
Santa Fe, N.M. – Speaker Brian Egolf’s highly successful 2021 New Mexico Climate Summit came to a close Tuesday evening, after drawing hundreds of climate experts, advocates, and concerned citizens to Santa Fe this week, with hundreds more turning into the event online.
A highlight of the free, two-day conference was an announcement on Monday from Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham that she would put legislation on the call for the upcoming session to codify New Mexico’s ambitious goal of being at net-zero emissions by 2050. Codifying this target puts it into New Mexico law, setting it in stone for future administrations.
The Summit brought together various ideas, perspectives, and real-world examples on how New Mexico can address the climate crisis. Across keynotes and panels, scientists and experts shared the latest research on the changes tied to our warming planet, the dangers posed, and the importance of equity in a clean energy transition. Attendees also heard from national climate change advocates, tribal leaders, impacted workers and community members, and youth from across New Mexico, along with hands-on breakout sessions and activities.
“We came to this Summit determined to share and discuss solutions to our climate crisis. And I believe we are ending it determined to move forward together in implementing those solutions,” said Speaker of the House Brian Egolf, who put on the event. “This is our opportunity to build a New Mexico that works in harmony with our natural environment and that supports every New Mexican.”
“I was thrilled to announce my administration’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050 in such a fitting venue,” said Gov. Lujan Grisham. “I’m grateful to Speaker Egolf and all who organized and attended the New Mexico Climate Summit, and I’m looking forward to continuing our upward trajectory on climate work – together.”
The summit was presented by Speaker Egolf, in partnership with supporters and organizations including Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart, Somos Un Pueblo Unido, Rio Grande Chapter of the Sierra Club, Natural Resources Defense Council, OLÉ, Center for Civic Policy, Western Resource Advocates, Environmental Defense Fund, Conservation Voters New Mexico, NM Wild, Power4NewMexico, the Angelica Foundation, Climate Advocates Voces Unidas (CAVU), Pattern Energy, and Voices for Children.
“The Speaker's Climate Summit has set us up for real progress on the climate crisis in the 2022 legislative session,” said Camilla Feibelman, Sierra Club - Rio Grande Chapter Director. “House Appropriations Chair Patty Lundstrum called fully funding our environmental agencies as a key step. Speaker Egolf called for spending billions on efficient affordable housing and other job-creating funding. These actions will provide the policy heft behind Gov. Lujan Grisham's commitment, as she travels to the UN Climate Summit, for net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Our members and leaders are ready to support these efforts with all of the urgency and energy that they require."
“Lawmakers will vote on many climate proposals in the coming years. To be fair and effective, these policies must include the voices and expertise of communities disproportionately impacted by climate change as well as frontline immigrant workers in the fossil fuel industry,” said Marcela Díaz, Executive Director of Somos Un Pueblo Unido. “The New Mexico Climate Summit not only included these voices, it put them front and center. That gives us hope and motivation to keep fighting for a just transition.”
Full video from the Summit’s events can be found at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAba6IdCrWU3qPpCtHppjTA.
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