Posted Feb. 27, 2025

 

On February 25, Clear Horizons New Mexico, a statewide coalition of environmental, social justice, and conservation advocates from 34 organizations and businesses across New Mexico, applauds the New Mexico Senate for passing the Community Benefit Fund (Senate Bill 48) 23-15 to invest $340 million in local economies across the state. Paired with investments in in-state expertise to grow and diversify the economy in the Innovation in State Government Fund (Senate Bill 83), this legislation has the potential to grow local jobs while improving infrastructure, expanding clean energy, and increasing resilience to extreme weather events.

 

“Indigenous communities have long faced environmental harm while being excluded from investments that build sustainable economies,” says Mayane Barudin, Executive Director of Sovereign Energy. “Senate Bills 48 and 49, with a $340 million investment, are a crucial step in reversing that history by ensuring Tribes have access to funding for renewable energy, workforce training, and infrastructure modernization. These funds will empower Tribes to pursue their clean energy goals, protect natural resources, and create economic opportunities that align with our values of stewardship and sustainability, helping to shape a more just and resilient future for all.”

 

The Community Benefit Fund (Senate Bill 48) would invest $340 million in communities that have been disproportionately impacted by climate change, providing resources for workforce development and retraining, renewable energy and infrastructure projects, energy efficiency upgrades, and other projects that reduce carbon pollution all while building a sustainable economy.
The 2025 Conservation in the West poll found that 77% of New Mexicans support the government taking action to reduce carbon pollution that contributes to climate change, such as the Clear Horizons Act. This is unsurprising given the various ways climate change impacts New Mexicans, including more severe wildfires and floods, extended droughts that limit water supplies, and more extreme weather events and heat. The majority of Governor Lujan Grisham’s 2024 executive orders – 183 out of 221 or 83% – were related to emergency funding to address the impacts of climate change, totalling $140 million of state dollars in just one year.

 

The Community Benefit Fund could support projects like:

 

• Mora County Complex Community Center  – Providing assets to residents recovering from the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon fires.
• Workforce Housing in Red River – Supporting the development of 100 new workforce housing units to provide stable, affordable homes for workers.
• City of Jal Housing Initiative – Addressing the housing shortage in the City of Jal through the refurbishment of existing homes, prioritizing community health and saving energy.
• Energy Savings in the town of Bernalillo – Providing deep energy retrofits in the homes of low income elders, reducing energy costs, and emissions, and improving the health safety and comfort of residents.

 

“The Semilla Project is thrilled to support Senate Bill 48, which is a groundbreaking step toward a sustainable and inclusive economic future for New Mexico. This legislation not only fosters innovative non-fossil fuel industries but also ensures crucial investments in communities historically impacted by environmental degradation,” says Jared Berenice Estrada, Advocacy and Programs Director for The Semilla Project. “By channeling funds into sectors like renewable energy and green technologies, SB48 aligns perfectly with our mission to advocate for environmental justice and sustainable community development. We urge everyone to stand behind this bill, as it will create vital job opportunities, particularly for our youth, and pave the way for a healthier environment.”

 

The Community Benefit Fund, made up of Senate Bills 48 & 49, passed the Senate Conservation Committee on 5-3 do-pass votes on February 8. Senate Bill 48 passed the Senate Finance Committee on 7-4 do-pass vote, while its companion bill Senate Bill 49 that houses the funding remains in the committee, waiting to be absorbed into the state budget bill, House Bill 2. The Innovation in Government Fund (Senate Bill 83) passed the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee 5-4 on February 23.

 

The Community Benefit Fund will be dispersed to local communities via:

• $40 million to the Economic Development Department to diversify the state’s economy
• $20 million to the Community Energy Efficiency Development (CEED) Block Grant Fund
• $100 million to Grid Modernization Grant Fund
• $50 million to Transportation Project Fund
• $5 million to the State Supplemental Land and Water Conservation Fund for the Outdoor Equity Fund
• $40 million to the Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department
• $25 million to the Department of Workforce Solutions
• $60 million to the Public Schools Facilities Authority

 

• The Clear Horizons New Mexico Coalition is a partnership of New Mexicans across the state from 34 climate, equity, social justice, and conservation organizations and businesses that are raising their voice in unison for climate action in the Land of Enchantment. At Clear Horizons, we celebrate our promise and commitment to keeping New Mexico beautiful and prosperous for everyone, now and in the future. Organizations and businesses include: 350 New Mexico, American Lung Association in New Mexico, Center for Civic Policy, Coalition for Clean Affordable Energy, Coalition of Sustainable Communities New Mexico, Conservation Voters New Mexico, Creciendo Nuevo Mexico, Devil’s Spring Ranch, E2 – Environmental Entrepreneurs, Earthworks, Environmental Defense Fund, GreenLatinos, GRID Alternatives, Healthy Climate New Mexico, Moms Clean Air Force New Mexico chapter, NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council), New Mexico & El Paso Interfaith Power and Light, NM CAFe, NM Climate Investment Center, NM Native Vote, New Mexico Voices for Children, NMVC Action Fund, Positive Energy Solar, ProgressNow New Mexico, Prosperity Works, Renewable Energy Industries Association of NM, San Juan Citizens Alliance, Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter, Sovereign Energy, SWEEP (Southwest Energy Efficiency Project), the Semilla Project, Western Environmental Law Center, Western Leaders Network, and Western Resource Advocates.