NM-03: Wiviott Says Energy Bill a Good ‘First Step;’ More Action Needed

Calling Congressional passage of an energy bill a good “first step,” Santa Fe small businessman and NM-03 Congressional candidate Don Wiviott said today that America’s leaders must do more to make America energy independent. Wiviott, a home builder who has pioneered green-building practices in New Mexico and is a highly respected voice on energy conservation, has made energy independence a major focus of his campaign.

“When it comes to issues like global warming and energy conservation, recent days have brought progress from Washington, DC, to Bali,” said Wiviott. “The energy bill in Congress is a good first-step, but it is only that –- a first step. Now that we’re moving in the right direction, we must pick up the pace and make up for lost time.”

As a home builder, Wiviott says he designs projects with one goal in mind: reducing their impact on the environment. His work, including Santa Fe’s THE LOFTS, has been praised for incorporating renewable materials, for taking advantage of the latest energy efficient technologies and for finding innovative ways to recycle water and waste. Wiviott’s energy-efficient communities are home to hundreds of New Mexico businesses and residents.

Wiviott’s commitment to enacting smarter energy policies goes beyond his business. When the 2007 New Mexico Legislature enacted legislation to promote clean energy, Don was a leading voice urging them to increase solar initiatives.

“Our security, our economy and our way of life depend on us making greater use of renewable energy sources,” said Wiviott. “We need a major investment in clean energy, which is why, as a Congressman, I will call for an Apollo-like project to develop strategies and technologies that will help us combat global warming and move towards energy independence. “

Wiviott noted that it was a Democratic Congress that ushered the energy bill through.

“For too long, this White House and Republicans in Congress ignored the growing energy crisis. While families paid more at the pump and evidence of global warming continued to mount, they sat on their hands. Today, Democrats in Congress put America back on track. Now it is time for George Bush to come to the table, stop dragging his feet and finally to take action to develop a real renewable energy policy.”

Wiviott continued, “The time has come and gone for political posturing on this issue. America needs everyone to come together and get the job done. As someone who knows that economic success and environmental protection go hand-in-hand, I have the ability to bring all sides together in Washington and make the real progress America needs.”

To read our previous coverage of the 2008 NM-03 Congressional race, visit our archive.