2006 HB 82 Navajo Nation Electric Generation Tax Credit

CVNM Position:

Oppose

Priority:

CVNM Priority Vote

Year:

2006

Sponsors:

Thomas C. Taylor

Topics:

Energy & Climate Change
Environmental Justice

Legislative Info:

HB 82 on nmlegis.gov »

Description

New Mexico has made great strides as a leader in producing clean, renewable energy. HB 82 represented a baffling step backwards, by providing a $60 million tax credit for a conventional coal-fired power plant on the Navajo Nation. Although the Navajo Nation is in need of economic development projects, these efforts cannot and need not come at the expense of the environment or public health.

Outcome

CVNM attempted unsuccessfully to amend legislation to make the tax credit contingent on the use of cleaner coal technology. HB 82 was rolled into the tax omnibus bill, which included many other tax-related measures. The only stand-alone vote on HB 82 was held in House Business and Industry Committee, which is the vote included here. The tax omnibus bill went to Conference Committee; the report passed the House, but died in the Senate.