Wind energy a benefit to Torrance County

Money from renewables funds necessary services

For many communities across New Mexico, wind energy has been a significant economic growth source and opportunity. For Torrance County, that has undoubtedly been the case.

From job creation to generating business opportunities for ancillary industries, Torrance County has felt the economic benefits of wind development.

With four wind farms and transmission line being built across the county, Torrance has done an excellent job of harnessing this unique natural resource for our community’s good. The various wind farms bring about $2 million annually for the county and will reliably do so for years to come.

This money supports local services like fire and EMS, resources that are vital to Torrance County residents. For rural counties struggling with maintaining a stable tax base and balancing their budget, wind farms’ revenue can be a lifeline.

New Mexico is at the forefront of the wind energy industry, attracting $3.4 billion in investment to the state through 2019 and employing nearly 3,000 workers in the industry. New Mexico ranks third in the nation on wind energy capacity.

Many projects are lined up for development across the state: The Western Spirit Transmission line is one such project. Construction of the Western Spirit line will create hundreds and potentially thousands of jobs over several years, bringing jobs to our local communities.

But this growth could be jeopardized by the adoption of a statewide wind tax.

Central New Mexico has always been one of the windiest parts of the state. But these days, a windy day in Torrance County offers a whole lot more in economic opportunity, jobs, and growth than meets the eye.

Let’s support policies that help keep it that way.