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For the complete article use this link--> Updated:
By ABQnews Staff
Published: Monday, September 14th, 2015 at 8:50am
Updated: Monday, September 14th, 2015 at 10:32pm
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For the complete article use this link-->http://www.abqjournal.com/643822/news/gov-martinez-to-unveil-new-state-energy-plan.html Gov. Susana Martinez on Monday unveiled a broad “all-of-the-above” plan to develop New Mexico’s energy resources, the first such comprehensive policy outline for the state in 25 years.
The governor recommended a broad array of strategies and policies that includes traditional fossil fuels, such as oil, natural gas and coal, and renewables, such as wind and solar, and new technologies, such as “small modular reactors,” to harness nuclear energy.
It’s all about building and diversifying New Mexico’s economy to provide well-paying jobs, Martinez said.
MARTINEZ: Plan can help “grow our economy”
“New Mexico is one of the most energy-rich and energy-diverse states in the nation, and we have an excellent opportunity to utilize this position to grow our economy and create more jobs,” Martinez said in a prepared statement.
“Improving our energy infrastructure, responsibly developing and producing energy of all types and better preparing our workforce for the needs of our energy sector are all critical components not only of a strong economic future, but of helping lead America to energy independence.”
Responses to the plan are likely to be varied, given the broad range of policies it promotes.
Environmental organizations, for example, could take issue with some fossil fuel development strategies, such as a recommendation to export coal from New Mexico mines to sustain that industry as coal consumption by local utilities declines.
Potential future deployment of small modular reactors – an emerging technology that must still be approved by the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission – also could prove controversial.
“Anytime you say ‘nuclear,’ it creates adverse reactions – kind of a knee-jerk reaction – but people need to study it first,” said State Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Secretary David Martin. “Others complain about fossil fuels and many consider ‘fracking’ a bad word. So there will for sure be some pushback and maybe some groups with positions that we can’t totally overcome.”
But the plan also includes recommendations that environmental groups and clean energy advocates are likely to embrace, such as efforts to deploy new battery storage technologies and more transmission to better facilitate the development of solar and wind power.
And the traditional energy industry, particularly oil and gas producers, will likely welcome the plan’s efforts to shore up infrastructure and find new markets to sustain production.
Among other things, the plan emphasizes the need for new rail lines to transport goods in and out of the San Juan Basin in northwestern New Mexico, and more pipelines, refineries, and road construction and repair to manage heavy industrial traffic.
“I applaud the administration for taking a balanced, practical look at the future and for trying to meld everything together in a comprehensive way,” said New Mexico Oil and Gas Association President Steve Henke. “This can help shape partnerships between the government and the private sector to develop New Mexico’s vast energy resources in a coordinated, comprehensive way.”
By ABQnews Staff
Published: Monday, September 14th, 2015 at 8:50am
Updated: Monday, September 14th, 2015 at 10:32pm
.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........
For the complete article use this link-->http://www.abqjournal.com/643822/news/gov-martinez-to-unveil-new-state-energy-plan.html Gov. Susana Martinez on Monday unveiled a broad “all-of-the-above” plan to develop New Mexico’s energy resources, the first such comprehensive policy outline for the state in 25 years.
The governor recommended a broad array of strategies and policies that includes traditional fossil fuels, such as oil, natural gas and coal, and renewables, such as wind and solar, and new technologies, such as “small modular reactors,” to harness nuclear energy.
It’s all about building and diversifying New Mexico’s economy to provide well-paying jobs, Martinez said.
MARTINEZ: Plan can help “grow our economy”
“New Mexico is one of the most energy-rich and energy-diverse states in the nation, and we have an excellent opportunity to utilize this position to grow our economy and create more jobs,” Martinez said in a prepared statement.
“Improving our energy infrastructure, responsibly developing and producing energy of all types and better preparing our workforce for the needs of our energy sector are all critical components not only of a strong economic future, but of helping lead America to energy independence.”
Responses to the plan are likely to be varied, given the broad range of policies it promotes.
Environmental organizations, for example, could take issue with some fossil fuel development strategies, such as a recommendation to export coal from New Mexico mines to sustain that industry as coal consumption by local utilities declines.
Potential future deployment of small modular reactors – an emerging technology that must still be approved by the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission – also could prove controversial.
“Anytime you say ‘nuclear,’ it creates adverse reactions – kind of a knee-jerk reaction – but people need to study it first,” said State Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Secretary David Martin. “Others complain about fossil fuels and many consider ‘fracking’ a bad word. So there will for sure be some pushback and maybe some groups with positions that we can’t totally overcome.”
But the plan also includes recommendations that environmental groups and clean energy advocates are likely to embrace, such as efforts to deploy new battery storage technologies and more transmission to better facilitate the development of solar and wind power.
And the traditional energy industry, particularly oil and gas producers, will likely welcome the plan’s efforts to shore up infrastructure and find new markets to sustain production.
Among other things, the plan emphasizes the need for new rail lines to transport goods in and out of the San Juan Basin in northwestern New Mexico, and more pipelines, refineries, and road construction and repair to manage heavy industrial traffic.
“I applaud the administration for taking a balanced, practical look at the future and for trying to meld everything together in a comprehensive way,” said New Mexico Oil and Gas Association President Steve Henke. “This can help shape partnerships between the government and the private sector to develop New Mexico’s vast energy resources in a coordinated, comprehensive way.”
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