NM could be leader in renewable energy

WALKING (RECENTLY) in my neighborhood, I had a clear view of the latest wildfire burning in the Jemez. I’m alarmed, but not surprised by wildfires in New Mexico and the western U.S. Under this new, disturbing normal, we’ve seen record temperatures, widespread drought and a longer, more frequent wildfire season.

But wildfires in Sweden? Seriously? Unfortunately, yes. As I write this, 53 wildfires are burning across Sweden due to a drought and record temperatures. There are so many distressed canaries in so many coal mines around the world, including our own backyard, we can only ignore them at our great peril.

We are far beyond the need to debate whether climate change is occurring. Our attention as a state and a nation needs to be directed toward action. A key action with bipartisan appeal is a revenue-neutral carbon fee with dividends returned to American taxpayers. This approach will promote marketbased solutions to climate change and would benefit New Mexico. Besides the obvious benefits of mitigating high temperatures, droughts, wildfires and other extreme weather events, there is a strong economic benefit to be gained.

According to the State Land Office, New Mexico is ranked second in the nation for potential solar-generated electric power production and 10th in wind potential. Couple this with about nine million acres of land available for lease to renewable energy companies and we are primed to be a leader, if not the national leader, in renewable energy production. Carbon fee and dividend would act as a strong catalyst to speed up this much-needed energy supply transition for the benefit of New Mexicans and the health of our planet. Let’s let our members of Congress know we support this sensible approach to addressing a problem that affects all of us! ED JUDDO Albuquerque