Commentary: (Santa Fe) With strong bipartisan support, the Senate today voted by a vote of 36 – 4 to pass Senate Bill 227, a bill that would require the State to utilize renewable energy on its 750 buildings so long as it would “provide a net savings on utility costs and not require any upfront costs.” Senator Jeff Steinborn (D- 36-Dona Ana), the sponsor of SB 227, said the move would be a huge win-win opportunity for the state of New Mexico.
“I’m thrilled that the Senate has passed this common sense legislation. As more and more cities embrace the use of solar power on government facilities, New Mexico is poised to become a leader in this field. This legislation provides an incredible opportunity for us to not only save taxpayer money, but create great jobs all over the state,” said Sen. Steinborn.
The legislation now moves to the New Mexico House of Representatives.
Several cities in New Mexico have recently expanded the use of solar power on government facilities including Las Cruces, Albuquerque, and Santa Fe. Other states have also increased the use of solar power in this way.
“The state of New Mexico owns over 750 buildings and currently only has solar power on two of them,” said Sen. Steinborn.
SB 227 would enable the State to take advantage of modern solar power financing techniques called “power purchase agreements.” Through the agreements, a private solar provider invests all of the upfront costs involved in setting up a solar system, and in return collects a portion of the utility bill for a set period of time. The State government would pay no up-front costs, and save on its reduced energy costs over time.
Local solar providers applauded the passage of SB 227 through the Senate. “The solar industry is excited and ready to work with the state to provide cost effective solar energy,” said Karen Paramanandam, Marketing Director for SunPower for Positive Solar energy.
According to the Solar Foundation, the solar industry employs 2,900 people in New Mexico.
“Putting solar panels on state government buildings is a win-win-win for New Mexico: it will help reduce air and water pollution, save the state a lot of money in electricity costs every year, and create jobs right here in New Mexico,” said Sanders Moore, director of Environment New Mexico. “We applaud Sen. Steinborn for taking the lead to move New Mexico forward with renewable electricity.”