Clean Energy Solutions

Clean Energy Solutions

PNM targets renewables rule

By John Buchser
Chapter chair

Most of us would be happy to learn that the mix of fuels powering our TVs and refrigerators is moving toward sun and wind and away from water-guzzling coal and nuclear plants.

New Mexico has a law requiring that gradual transition to renewable energy, because as we all know, the health and safety of our kids and New Mexico’s drought-prone climate depend on it.

Which is why the Rio Grande Chapter is working to stop PNM and other industry forces from rewriting the rule that enforces that law.

Submitted by Jeff Potter on 2 April 2013 - 9:51pm
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Clean Energy Solutions

Solar PV - by DVW

Clean Energy News

The Rio Grande Chapter of the Sierra Club is focused on energy issues that have a direct impact on climate change, air pollution, and the green economy. These activities are part of the national Sierra Club priorities “Beyond Coal,” “Clean Energy Solutions,” and “Federal and International Climate Campaign.”

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Sun City Goes for Solar Energy

Solar PV - by DVW

There have been a number of promising developments recently in the El Paso area which bode well for us living up to our “Sun City” nickname.

Submitted by dvw on 7 January 2012 - 9:02pm
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El Paso Council approves Low-Income Weatherization Program

Energy Works

El Paso’s City Council voted December 15th, 2011, to accept a $4 million grant to help low-income families weatherize their homes, thereby reducing their energy use and lowering their utility bills.

The money is from the federal government’s stimulus program and is being funneled through the state of Texas under contract with the city of El Paso. The program will help about 600 low-income households replace insulation, windows, and even energy-wasting appliances, according to Bill Lilly, the city’s Director of Community and Human Development.

Submitted by dvw on 1 January 2012 - 9:38pm
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Adelante El Paso

El Paso Group News
• In order to expedite implementation of the Clean Air Act in Texas, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has begun to remove some permitting authority delegated to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) 16 years ago.

Submitted by Jeff Potter on 29 January 2011 - 11:43am
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Sierra Club activists put heat on Martinez, PRC

GotSolNotCoalProtest.jpg

By Shrayas Jatkar
Beyond Coal organizing representative

Many things led to the acknowledgement by PNM and the Martinez administration that coal is the fuel of the past.

Without the constant public pressure exerted by Rio Grande Chapter members and friends, the decision to reduce the deadly coal pollution at San Juan Generating Station simply would not have happened.

New Mexico’s Beyond Coal to Clean Energy campaign included national program staff, local volunteers, and diverse partner groups.

Submitted by Jeff Potter on 5 April 2013 - 5:53pm
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Deal would reduce millions of tons of carbon dioxide, but where’s the renewable energy?

Coal - San Juan

By Shrayas Jatkar
Beyond Coal organizing representative

The state of New Mexico and PNM announced that they had struck a major deal with the Environmental Protection Agency on Feb. 15 regarding the future of the San Juan Generating Station, a 40-year-old coal-burning power plant near Farmington. Key elements of the deal are to close two of the four coal-burning units by the end of 2017 while putting pollution controls on the remaining two units to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxide and other toxic pollutants.

Submitted by Jeff Potter on 2 April 2013 - 5:11pm
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Member Story: House Savings

Norma Reyes

Member Story: House Savings

Four years ago, I started greening my house as I made needed repairs. First I replaced the main windows with double-pane, energy-saving windows (which also reduced outside noise considerably). I have followed up with Energy Star toilets (rebate water credit paid for them entirely), showerheads, refrigerator, dishwasher and entry door. I’ve also installed an energy efficient garage door and put a thermal blanket on the water heater.

Submitted by Jeff Potter on 5 July 2012 - 3:26pm
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Solar Saves the Day

photo by Ken Hughes

Solar System kept water pumping when fire knocked out other power
(From the New Mexico Energy and Minerals Department)

RUIDOSO, N.M. – A solar photovoltaic system installed by the Sun Valley Water and Sanitation District kept the water pumping to volunteer firefighters fighting the Little Bear Fire when all other power in the area was lost.

Submitted by Jeff Potter on 3 July 2012 - 12:26pm
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SunZia: Transmission for renewable energy

SunZia

The Sierra Club and the Rio Grande Chapter have identified as an overarching priority the fight against global warming.

To stimulate investments in renewable energy production, renewable-rich areas like central New Mexico need transmission lines to deliver renewable power to customers across the west.

The Rio Grande Chapter believes renewable-energy transmission projects are good for stimulating clean energy in New Mexico. We also believe in making sure these projects are planned and built to strict environmental standards. We want the bar set high.

Submitted by Jeff Potter on 2 July 2012 - 10:19am
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