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HOUSE MEMORIAL 49
57TH LEGISLATURE - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - FIRST SESSION, 2025
INTRODUCED BY
Cathrynn N. Brown
A MEMORIAL
REQUESTING THE CONSIDERATION AND STUDY OF ESTABLISHING A
PERFORMANCE-BASED AND LOW-INTEREST LOAN PROGRAM TO FINANCE
UPGRADES TO AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION,
DISTRIBUTION AND GENERATION INFRASTRUCTURE AND FACILITIES.
WHEREAS, New Mexico's electric grid and energy
infrastructure are vital to the well-being, economic prosperity
and quality of life of all New Mexicans; and
WHEREAS, New Mexico has the potential to be a leader in
electric energy generation, with its access to abundant wind,
solar and geothermal resources, but currently lacks sufficient
transmission and distribution infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, existing transmission lines and distribution
systems in many areas of New Mexico, particularly in rural and
underserved regions, are outdated and vulnerable; and
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WHEREAS, modernizing and expanding New Mexico's
transmission and distribution infrastructure and electric
generating facilities could attract new industries, create new
jobs, support long-term economic development and contribute to
a stable and reliable electric grid; and
WHEREAS, other states have enacted laws to enhance
electric grid reliability, such as the Powering Texas Forward
Act, which provides performance-based grants and low-interest
loans to finance upgrades to and the development of new
electric transmission, distribution and generation
infrastructure and facilities; and
WHEREAS, with its access to natural resources, need for
improved energy infrastructure and current financial strength,
New Mexico should capitalize on this opportunity and invest in
similar programs to improve its electric grid facilities and
infrastructure and position itself to meet future energy
demands;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the governor,
the members of the legislature and other leaders in New Mexico
be requested to consider and prioritize establishing a program
to expand and improve the state's electric grid; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the public regulation
commission, in collaboration with the energy, minerals and
natural resources department and the economic development
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department, be requested to convene a task force to study the
electric infrastructure and facility needs of the state and the
feasibility of establishing a program similar to that created
by the Powering Texas Forward Act to provide performance-based
grants and low-interest loans to finance upgrades to and the
development of new electric transmission, distribution and
generation infrastructure and facilities; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the public regulation
commission be requested to report to the appropriate
legislative interim committee about its findings and
recommendations; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be
transmitted to the governor, members of the legislature, the
public regulation commissioners, the secretary of energy,
minerals and natural resources and the secretary of economic
development.
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