The science is clear: climate change is already here and its impacts in New Mexico and across the globe are already becoming ever more significant and long-lasting. Delaying action or taking half-hearted measures will allow global temperatures to rise even more, creating additional disruption to natural and human systems. But there is still time to act to mitigate the worst of these outcomes and adapt to others. Our reliance on fossil fuels is driving changes in our climate that are clearly visible in the severe drought and catastrophic wildfires we have been experiencing over the past several years.

Relying on oil, coal and natural gas for the bulk of our energy needs is a losing gamble. Recent fracking growth, including in the Permian basin, is not sustainable and the oil and gas industry’s boom-and-bust cycles create havoc for state and local budget planning. Independent data has shown that methane emissions are likely much higher than industry and federal government monitoring suggest. Oil and gas facilities also emit harmful ozone and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs), some of which are known carcinogens.

Just as oil and gas are losing gambles, so too is fossil fuel-derived hydrogen (grey and blue). Hydrogen has been touted as a potential alternative energy source for years, but the reality is that it’s simply not a viable option at this point. For starters, hydrogen must be produced, usually with fossil fuels, which defeats the purpose of finding a cleaner energy source. Additionally, creating hydrogen of any kind requires enormous amounts of water, which is not ideal for a place like New Mexico.

Fortunately, New Mexico boasts a wealth of clean, renewable sources of energy such as solar, wind, biofuels, and geothermal sources. We have the ability and resources to make clean energy a driving force of our economy while being cost-effective for energy consumers.

New Mexico took the first steps toward the “power shift” by calling for major investments in clean energy like wind and solar in the Energy Transition Act, passed by the Legislature and signed by Governor Lujan Grisham in March 2019. The law calls for our electricity to be carbon-free by 2045, one of the strongest standards in the country. New Mexico recently adopted methane and ozone precursor rules to rapidly reduce climate pollution and improve air quality. The state has also adopted community solar, Advanced Clean Car II and Advanced Clean Truck standards, created a Green Investment Bank, and leveraged federal Inflation Reduction Act funding to attract solar, battery storage, and wind manufacturers to the state. Additionally, in 2024 the Legislature passed clean fuel standards, making New Mexico the fourth state in the country to do so.

Reducing methane emissions in the oil and gas industry, capping orphaned wells, and installing solar and wind energy facilities can immediately employ oil and gas workers who are ready for a career transition. The creation of clean energy jobs, which are projected to grow faster than employment in other sectors, is supported by New Mexicans across the political spectrum. Diversifying our energy economy will also encourage other economic drivers, such as our growing outdoor recreation industry.

CVNM has published our climate report, titled “The State of Climate Action In New Mexico: A Call to Action.” The report details the progress on climate since Governor Lujan Grisham’s first term, and highlights a number of areas that the state still needs to take action. The report also details the ways that climate change impacts or lands, water, wildlife and the health and resilience of our communities. Check out the report by going to or climate action now website.