Renewable energy developers are opposing an effort to write environmental protections into the New Mexico Constitution.
Coupled with staunch criticism from other business groups, energy industry opposition threatens to sink New Mexico’s so-called Green Amendment. A state House panel this week declined to fully endorse the measure, instead voting 6-3 along party lines to advance the proposal with “no recommendation” — a move that sends the bill along to its next committee, but signals long odds for passage in this year’s 60-day legislative session.
“The devil is in the detail,” said Democratic state Rep. Cynthia Borrego, who voted for the bill but voiced concerns that passing a broad new environmental standard could upend local government regulations or operations. “There are significant questions in my mind.”
The proposal, HJR 3, would ask voters to amend the New Mexico Constitution to include people’s right to clean air; a safe climate; and “the preservation of the natural, cultural, scenic and healthful qualities of the environment.” The amendment would enable residents to sue state and local governments for failing to uphold those obligations.
