The Line: Moving Away From Coal

September 13, 2019 – What does life after coal look like in New Mexico? That’s the question many people are struggling with after the passing of the Energy Transition Act during last year’s legislative session. The legislation sets a goal of being 100% reliant on carbon-free electricity sources by the year 2045. The state’s largest power company, PNM, is on board with the plan, and now claims it can beat that goal by five years. Under the plan, PNM is also eligible to recoup all its costs for shutting down the coal-fired San Juan Generating Station in 2022. That’s where the struggle begins, as Santa Fe New Mexican reporter Jens Erik Gould recently investigated. Host Gene Grant and The Line panelists explore some of the aspects of the state’s efforts are creating confusion, some dissent, and even a state Supreme Court argument.

Line Panelists:
Serge Martinez, UNM School of Law
Tom Garrity, The Garrity Group
Giovanna Rossi, Collective Action Strategies
Kristelle Siarza, Siarza Social Digital

For Further Reading:
New Mexico’s ‘Mini’ Green New Deal, Dissected – High Country News

As Plant Faces Closure, New Mexico City Weighs Bet on Clean Coal Technology – Elemental

PNM Gives a Peek at its Future – Albuquerque Business First

New Mexico’s Energy Profile – U.S. Energy Information Administration