Heath Haussamen / NMPolitics.net
Gov. Bill Richardson (Photo by Heath Haussamen)
Gov. Bill Richardson has signed an executive order that he hopes will help the state become a leader in renewable energy exports.
“A comprehensive green economy is critical to the future of New Mexico and will lead our state into a new era of economic vitality and stability,” Richardson said in a news release. “Today I am outlining a clear path to ensure our state capitalizes economically and environmentally on our abundant renewable resources and assets.”
The governor’s Green Jobs Cabinet recommended five goals for the state, which include:
• To become a leader in renewable energy exports.
• To become the center of the North American solar industry. This includes everything from research and development to manufacturing to the installation of solar elements in buildings.
• To lead the nation in “Green Grid” innovation.
• To continue being a leader in green building and energy efficiency.
• To have an educational system that prepares New Mexico students for jobs in green technologies.
Richardson’s executive order, signed at SCHOTT Solar’s manufacturing plant in Albuquerque, lays out a wide scope of directives to reach these goals, and involves several state agencies. After signing the order, Richardson announced the release of the New Mexico Green Jobs Guidebook. The guidebook provides an overview of green occupations, their education requirements, and resources available at New Mexico colleges and universities.
Richardson announced he will seek legislation to expand the state’s Renewable Energy Production Tax Credit during the upcoming legislative session. The expansion will double the available credit for solar generators to 1 million megawatt hours. The Production Tax Credit expansion is critical for ensuring that there is an in-state market for the products from the growing cluster of solar manufacturers like SCHOTT, Emcore and Signet Solar.
The Green Jobs Cabinet report is available online.