SANTA FE — On the heels of signing an executive order that set New Mexico on a bold new path to statewide climate change mitigation efforts, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Thursday announced the introduction of HB 15, which will establish a new renewable portfolio standard for the state.

The bill, introduced by Representative Nathan Small of Las Cruces and co-sponsored by Senator Mimi Stewart of Albuquerque, would establish benchmarks for 50 percent renewable energy production by 2030 and 80 percent by 2040. The legislation utilizes rich New Mexico renewable energy resources to grow the economy as our state acts to reduce harmful emissions and confronts the clear threat of climate change.

“This legislation puts our state on a clear path,” Gov. Lujan Grisham said. “An increased RPS will boost investment in both wind and solar, where we know New Mexico can be a national leader, and attract major new employers, not to mention create good jobs and careers.”

“This is an important step forward for job creation, economic opportunity, and for a cleaner and safer environment,” said Rep. Small. “We are so excited to join with and support Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. House Democrats know that creating New Mexico jobs for New Mexico families from New Mexico renewable energy is the right way to go, and we are proud to join Governor Lujan Grisham in that today.”

Earlier this week, the governor signed an executive order entering New Mexico into the U.S. Climate Alliance, a group of bipartisan governors who have committed to upholding the goals established by the 2015 Paris Agreement. The governor simultaneously ordered the creation of a climate change task force assigned with leading the effort to infuse emission-reduction strategies into state agencies across government and develop statewide policies to reduce emissions, among other tasks.