2026 SB 235 Microgrid Oversight Act
- CVNM Position:
- Support
- Year:
- 2026
- Sponsors:
-
Jeff Steinborn
- Topics:
- Energy & Climate Change
Environmental Justice
Water - Legislative Info:
- SB 235 on nmlegis.gov »
Description
Microgrids, also referred to as “self-source generation resources,” are multiplying rapidly in New Mexico alongside the rapid expansion of larger data centers. Investors in these data centers are pushing for methane gas-fired electricity as the primary power source. Current policy excludes microgrids from adhering to the same greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions that public electric utilities and rural electric cooperatives must attain to reach 100% zero-carbon electricity by 2045 and 2050, respectively. SB 235 would have addressed this issue by requiring microgrids to attain 100% zero-carbon electricity generation by 2045 through steady investment in renewable and zero-carbon resources, or to cease operation. The bill would have also prohibited the Public Regulation Commission (PRC) from approving a public electric utility's purchase of a microgrid if the costs of microgrid development would have increased customer bills.
Outcome
Passed in the Senate (22-20), then died waiting to be scheduled in the House Judiciary Committee.
How Legislators Voted on SB 235
- = Pro Conservation Vote
- = Anti Conservation Vote
- A = Absent
- E = Excused
- R = Recused
- W = Abstain