Voices for Community Solar in New Mexico
“Indigenous communities in New Mexico know first hand what it means to live in a literal toxic relationship with those responsible for the climate crisis.
Our communities deserve the opportunity to own, create and distribute our own solar energy.”
Joseph Hernandez
Diné Energy Organizer
NM Native Vote
Read: Harnessing Solar Power for Resilient Native Communities
Pass SB84 for Solar for ALL in New Mexico
New Mexico communities are speaking out for community solar. Right now, most New Mexicans can’t power their home or business with solar energy because rooftop solar won’t work for them. It’s time to democratize New Mexico’s energy system and make sure all New Mexicans can benefit from solar energy. We need to pass the Community Solar Act.
As a renter myself, community solar would not only benefit me but also my family and community. All communities deserve to have access to the lower electric costs of solar.
When we first organized the state-wide Climate Strike two years ago, community solar was one of the first policy tools that we asked for to address the climate crisis.
Community solar provides a way for all New Mexicans to have access to clean energy, and the related health and economic benefits that come from cleaner air, well-paying jobs, and energy savings.
We strongly support community solar because it provides access to all who want to subscribe to solar energy regardless of income, property quality or ownership.
Solar farms in SB 84 means solar farms all over the state of New Mexico. That’s providing great paying jobs and economic growth in rural New Mexico, like Clayton, where I’m from.
The energy transition is a once-in-human-history event, and all New Mexicans need full access to participating in the benefits of that transition. The sun shines on us all equally.
WEBINAR: Community Solar Opportunity for Tribal Nations
WEBINAR HIGHLIGHT:
Governor John Antonio Sr., Pueblo of Laguna shares his support for community solar legislation and speaks to the importance of mindful placement of renewable energy projects that serve energy needs, reduce costs, protect the environment, and maintain the integrity of traditional Pueblo and Tribal communities.
WEBINAR HIGHLIGHT:
Bernadette Cuthair, Director of Planning and Development, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, is known as a champion for renewable energy for Native communities, and helped to bring a community solar project to her Tribe in the high desert of Colorado. She shares a Tribal elder's reflections on the power of solar technology.
Indigenous Solar Leaders
WATCH: Picuris Pueblo’s Community Solar Story
Picuris Pueblo is one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the United States. Today, on their ancestral land in the mountains of northern New Mexico, the people of Picuris are putting community solar to work lowering electricity bills for every family in the tribe, all while increasing community resilience and collectively combatting climate change.
About the SOLution New Mexico Coalition
SOLution New Mexico aims to help increase access to solar energy to all New Mexicans and rebuild New Mexico’s economy and rural communities with clean, locally produced community solar. The coalition is made up of a diverse group representing local industry, agriculture, clean energy advocates, and leaders from Tribes and Pueblos who are calling on New Mexico legislators to pass community solar legislation that would use private investment to increase access to solar energy and boost New Mexico’s economy.
Contact: Mayane Barudin, Interior West Manager & Tribal Liason, Vote Solar at mayane@votesolar.org
