WC New Mexico News

New Mexico is preparing for a time when coal is no longer the main provider for its power supply.

As coal has become less of a mainstay, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham in 2019 signed the Energy Transition Act to support renewable energy.

The legislation requires utility companies to divest from coal and fossil fuels and switch to 100% renewable energy sources by 2045.

Understanding that the far-reaching policy may impact jobs, NM Political Report said the plan created a $40 million transition fund for severance pay and to retain workers.

But for some communities that have relied on coal power for jobs, it means a change in business that’s not always easy.

San Juan County has relied on coal plants for years. It has also been considered one of the largest polluters, according to NM Political Report. The last plant is set to close in 2022.

“The pain that we’ll feel from the loss of jobs is real, and it’s quite great,” San Juan County Manager Mike Stark told the outlet. “This plant and the mine represent 10% of our total tax base.”

NMPR also reported that the county, San Juan Community College and the school district will lose approximately $9 million in property tax revenue when the plant and mines shutter.

However, supporters of the policy argue that transitioning to renewable energy will provide new opportunities.

“I think New Mexico has huge potential to not only supply its own needs, but also to export it around the region,” Noah Long, the Natural Resource Defense Council’s regional director for climate and clean energy, told the publication.