Growing New Mexico's Energy Economy

As Americans, energy impacts almost all aspects of our daily lives – from heating our homes to fueling our cars to powering our computers. As New Mexicans, energy production affects our state’s economy in significant ways. You name it, we’ve got it, including oil, natural gas, wind generation, coal, uranium, solar, geothermal, and other energy-related industries. Most experts agree that New Mexico needs a comprehensive energy policy and we need it integrated into an overall economic development strategy.

That assumption establishes the fundamental question of New Mexico First’s 2009 statewide town hall: How should our state grow its energy economy? Whether you live in a rural community or an urban center, this issue affects you. Participants at the town hall will develop recommendations that will impact the quality of life for all New Mexicans.

This will not be a typical conference with day after day of presentations. There will be a series of speakers to help set the context, but the bulk of the town hall is comprised of small group discussions among citizens who care about the topic.

Prior to the town hall, participants will receive a background report. The report will provide valuable information on the state’s sources of energy, productivity gains from energy efficiency, and cross-cutting issues for energy transmission and economic development. It will serve as a basis for the discussions held during the town hall.

Using New Mexico First’s proven consensus-building process, the three-day town hall will ask participants to share their best ideas for growing the state’s energy economy. On day one of the town hall, participants are divided into small groups to discuss key issues and answer a common set of questions. On day two, participants begin refining and synthesizing their conclusions. By noon on day three, participants will have developed concrete, actionable recommendations for state and local leaders and policymakers.