New Mexico has recently approved two different environmental measures. The first is a proposal to include New Mexico in a regional cap-and-trade program with other Western states that make up the Western Climate Initiative. The second was a petition by New Energy Economy which calls for large polluters to lower their carbon dioxide emissions by three percent each year.
Both measures have the similar goal of decreasing carbon emissions in order to mitigate the effects of climate change. However, the plans are not supported by everyone in the state. Leaders in Farmington, a community in northwestern New Mexico, have decided to challenge the state, specifically on the plan involving cap-and-trade. The Farmington mayor, Tommy Roberts, has stated that regulation “needs to have a rational foundation behind it” and the state “can’t afford to take symbolic acts at the expense of real jobs.” Other critics of the plan have argued that New Mexico’s emissions are only a fraction of the worldwide problem and reducing emissions is not worth handicapping businesses. They also contend that the Environmental Improvement Board that approved the plan did not have the authority to adopt these regulations.
Farmington is obviously concerned about the jobs in the natural gas operations throughout their region that support their economy, as well as rising energy costs being put on the residents. However, New Mexico has the second best potential for producing solar power in the US. This cap-and-trade system could help solar power business in New Mexico seriously increase, bringing lots of jobs to the area. Also, the argument of Farmington’s mayor that decreasing New Mexico emissions is simply a symbolic act is absurd. As has been proven by the failure of the recent cap and trade bill in Congress, decreasing emissions in the drastic ways needed is up to the states, and so this kind of action is necessary. Also, it is very frustrating when people make the argument that their small change does not make a difference. If everyone adopted this attitude positive change would never happen. New Mexico’s greenhouse gas emissions jumped 20% from 1990 to 2000, and seven percent from 2000 to 2007. These new measures will stop that rise and set New Mexico on the right path to mitigating climate change.
Overall, the new policies adopted by New Mexico are great examples for what other states should be doing. The plans even include a cap on how much businesses have to spend to comply with the new plans, a lenient measure. Communities like Farmington should adapt to the changing energy atmosphere now before climate conditions and availability of resources force them to.
I think what New Mexico is trying to do is amazing, and they setting a great example for other states. I think they really need to stress the economic and environmental advantages of potential solar power business. If the community fully understood that there would be a creation of a new job market then New Mexico might be able to rally more positive public opinion. I think the major way to combat global climate change is by having individual states adopt their own policies. People need to understand that every effort makes a difference, and New Mexico is setting a positive example.
ReplyDeleteMost concerning of all is that the Farmington Mayor still has not seen the potential of solar energy. Even though cap and trade systems are the future of polluting industries, the first systems need to set a good example for the future, and be effective. While New Mexico has solar potential, you stated above that they are a major supplier of natural gas. It would be wiser to attempt these systems in places that are not dependent on non-renewable industry. This would ensure that they are effective, as other sectors of the local economy could pick up the slack. I agree that the Mayor needs to see the potential of solar, and that cap and trade systems are the future, but maybe farmington isn't ready for this yet.
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