New Mexico governor shares comprehensive energy plan

New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez unveiled a groundbreaking new energy policy and implementation plan for her state this week.

The “Seizing our Energy Potential: Creating a More Diverse Economy in New Mexico” plan promotes the production of all sources of energy in an effort to create jobs, diversify the energy sector in the state and support the country’s goal of reaching energy independence.

“New Mexico is one of the most energy-rich and energy-diverse states in the nation, and we have an excellent opportunity to utilize this position to grow our economy and create more jobs,”  Martinez said. “Improving our energy infrastructure, responsibly developing and producing energy of all types, and better preparing our workforce for the needs of our energy sector are all critical components not only of a strong economic future, but of helping lead America to energy independence.”

The result of more than a year of planning, data analysis and legwork, the plan is the first comprehensive energy policy for New Mexico in 25 years.

Highlighted initiatives of the plan include: Improving New Mexico’s Energy Infrastructure; Promoting Greater Production of all Sources of Energy; Improving Energy Workforce Training at Higher Education Institutions; Reducing Fresh Water Consumption in Energy Production Processes; Streamlining Regulatory Processes; and Exploring and Potentially Seizing on New Energy Opportunities.

“Energy produced in New Mexico is not only essential to powering our daily lives – it also provides essential revenue that supports our schools, hospitals, local governments and communities,” David Martin, secretary of New Mexico’s Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, said. “As the fourth highest net energy producing state in the country, we owe it to our state’s future – and indeed, our nation’s future – to expand our role as an energy leader.”