- With House Bill 458 being signed, more jobs will be created for New Mexicans.
- HB 458 ties leadership in cleaner energy, workforce development, and environmental action together.
SANTE FE, NM – Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA), the leading energy and environmental advocate for families and businesses, today applauded Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham for signing House Bill 458, the Geologic Carbon Storage Stewardship Act, into law — a crucial step that lays the groundwork for New Mexico to develop a homegrown carbon management industry that delivers economic opportunity, protects consumers, and advances environmental stewardship.
“This legislation isn’t just about carbon storage — it’s about protecting our communities, restoring opportunity to rural and tribal areas, and putting New Mexicans back to work in ways that align with our deep connection to the land,” said Matthew Gonzales, CEA Southwest Executive Director. “HB 458 helps us preserve our culture, our families, and our small towns, and it moves us one step closer to obtaining Class VI primacy, so that New Mexico – not the federal government – can oversee its own carbon storage future.”
By establishing the regulatory framework for geologic carbon storage, HB 458 enables New Mexico to attract investment in clean technology projects, while also addressing the economic dislocation caused by the closure of coal-fired power plants and historic mining operations. These changes have taken a toll on local economies, often forcing young people to leave their hometowns in search of opportunity. With the tools provided under this legislation, that narrative can begin to change.
“This bill allows New Mexico to chart its own course – developing a responsible carbon storage program that reflects our values as land stewards and conservationists,” Gonzales added. “We’ve always been connected to our land. HB 458 is a powerful new tool in helping us protect our environment while creating good jobs and ensuring reliable, affordable energy.”
CEA emphasized that while HB 458 is a major milestone, the work continues. Rulemaking and implementation must be done with care, transparency, and a commitment to both consumer protection and community well-being.
“We’ll remain actively engaged as the rulemaking process unfolds to ensure this opportunity lives up to its potential,” Gonzales said. “That means making sure the benefits reach all New Mexicans, especially those in underserved, rural, and tribal communities that have so much to gain from this new industry.”
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About Consumer Energy Alliance
Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) is the trusted voice advocating for affordable, reliable, and cleaner energy solutions that benefit all Americans. Representing families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers, and manufacturers, CEA champions sensible, balanced policies that support economic growth and environmental resiliency; and ensures families and businesses are a vocal part of the nation’s energy dialogue. Every day, we work to inspire practical, responsible solutions that meet America’s energy needs while protecting the environment for generations to come.
Contact:
Bryson Hull
(202) 657-2855
bhull@consumerenergyalliance.org