NM-01: Heinrich Calls for Energy 'Apollo Project'

In his latest post, NM-01 Congressional candidate Martin Heinrich says we need to move toward energy independence and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions with a bold effort similar to the Apollo project of the 1960s. He's convinced that slow, incremental change won't be enough, and that we need to break the deadlock in Washington to get the nation moving on the right track. Heinrich believes a major commitment to critical changes in our energy policy will create millions of new jobs -- many of them in New Mexico -- while dramatically reducing our reliance on foreign oil:

Nearly half a century ago, John F. Kennedy summoned his generation to a great cause – to put a man on the moon by the end of the decade. When he made the declaration, people didn’t think he was a visionary – they thought he was crazy. But, President Kennedy proved his critics wrong. He made a major investment in our space program and by the end of the decade – we put a man on the moon. We can and must do it again. We need an Apollo program for energy independence. This program will not only free us from foreign oil and help us fight global climate change – but, will also create 3 million new jobs. And, I will fight to bring those new "green collar" jobs to New Mexico.

Martin (second from the right) at ground breaking ceremony for Albuquerque's Advent Solar, which manufactures photo voltaic panels, and is part of the new energy economy that Martin envisions for New Mexico.

New Mexico has tremendous wind, solar and geothermal energy potential. With real leadership and commitment we can create tens of thousands of good paying jobs harnessing that energy. We have the minds and the resources to lead the way right here in New Mexico – but, we need strong leadership in Washington to get this done.

Heinrich has long been involved with exploring the benefits of solar energy and other clean energy alternatives. When he was an engineering student, he worked on one of the first trans-continental solar car races. And as New Mexico's Natural Resources Trustee, appointed by Gov. Bill Richardson, Heinrich is well aware of how much damage can be inflicted on the environment by irresponsible fossil fuel mining techniques. He sees a conversion to clean energy sources and technologies as perhaps the most important legacy we can leave our children.

If you agree, sign up to volunteer or donate a few bucks to his campaign via the DFNM Netroots page at ActBlue.

To see our previous coverage of the 2008 NM-01 Congressional race, visit our archive.