New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham delivered the opening keynote address this week of the 2021 State Environmental Protection meeting of the Environmental Council of States.
ECOS is a national nonprofit, nonpartisan association of state and territorial environmental agency leaders whose goal is to improve the capability of state environmental agencies and their leaders to protect and improve human health and the environment.
“New Mexico is serving as a shining example to other states and countries,” said Gov. Lujan Grisham. “If other states and countries are looking for a climate action model to follow, look to New Mexico.”
In her remarks, Gov. Lujan Grisham highlighted the innovative ways New Mexico is addressing climate change, including reducing emissions from the utility sector and the oil and gas industry, adopting clean car standards, prioritizing clean fuel standard legislation, investing in green energy job training, and making New Mexico the nation’s largest hydrogen hub. Through a whole-of-government approach, New Mexico is decarbonizing and diversifying its economy.
The virtual event brings together state, federal, and local governments, along with NGOs and industry, who are pursuing innovative solutions to tackle climate challenges while promoting economic growth. The two-day meeting showcases cutting-edge mitigation and resilience planning, of which New Mexico is a national leader.
Also speaking on Wednesday was U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan and U.S. Department of Transportation Under Secretary Carlos Monje. The Governor was introduced by New Mexico Environment Department Cabinet Secretary James Kenney, who serves as the chair of the ECOS Cross-Media Committee and co-chair of the ECOS Oil and Gas Caucus.
Under Gov. Lujan Grisham’s administration, our state has become a model for innovative, collaborative and equitable climate action that leaves no New Mexican behind. From implementing nationally leading oil and gas emissions reductions rules to enacting new energy efficient building codes that will save New Mexican households up to $400 a year, the State of New Mexico is lighting the way to a brighter future for all.