The Energy Transition Act is state law, and the state has an obligation to carry it out responsibly. That does not mean rushing changes without regard for cost, reliability, or how it affects New Mexicans. Energy policy should protect families, workers, and businesses, not push systems beyond what the grid can support.
Concerns around the Energy Transition Act are shared across many communities. Much of that concern comes from the pace of the transition and the added mandates that have followed. Implementing the ETA too quickly, before infrastructure is ready, risks higher utility bills and less reliability. Mandates that don’t reflect affordability or local demand have added to that concern.
My approach is cautious and focused on oversight. I will work with local power utilities to complete an independent review of grid reliability, transmission capacity, and long-term planning so the state has a clear picture of what the system can actually handle. Meeting targets on paper doesn’t help if power isn’t available when people need it. Decisions should be based on engineering, data, and common sense, not assumptions.
Energy policy also has to look beyond generation. New Mexico needs to update our power grid. Transmission lines, substations, storage, and backup capacity all matter. Without these investments, adding new power sources won’t improve reliability. A stable grid protects households, supports hospitals and schools, and reduces the risk of outages.
Reliability affects economic growth as well. Large employers, including data centers and manufacturers, look first at whether a state can provide steady power and water. Right now, New Mexico is often passed over because we cannot supply the necessary power. Improving our grid strength and planning for the future will create opportunities for investment and high-paying jobs, especially in rural areas.
I support a balanced energy approach that respects the role of all energy sources and keeps reliability and affordability front and center. The goal is not speed for its own sake, but a careful path that keeps the lights on, protects ratepayers, and supports long-term economic stability.
