NM-03: Luján Endorsed by Conservation Voters NM

From Luján for Congress:
Because of his strong commitment and record on protecting the environment, Conservation Voters New Mexico on Tuesday endorsed Public Regulation Commissioner Ben R. Luján in his bid to represent New Mexico's 3rd Congressional District in the U.S. House.

"I've witnessed Commissioner Lujan hold power companies accountable for their global-warming emissions. He has a proven and supreme track record taking on the powerful special interests on renewable energy. Ben Ray Luján will take that same leadership and vision to Congress to build a clean-energy economy," said Sandy Buffett, Executive Director of Conservation Voters New Mexico.

The endorsement adds to Luján's environmental support, which also includes the national League of Conservation Voters.

"I am proud to have the support of the environmental community," Luján said. "New Mexico has already experienced millions of dollars in renewable-energy development through the PRC's Renewable Portfolio Standards. As a nation we must fuel economic development and create jobs by making a serious commitment to a major transition of our energy structure."

Under Luján's leadership as chairman, the PRC implemented some of the highest renewable-energy requirements in the nation -- utilities must provide 20 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2020. Lujan fought to pass those standards in the Legislature.

Luján also joined leaders of utility commissions in California, Oregon and Washington state in forming the Joint Action Framework on Climate Change to take regional action to fight global warming.

In addition to raising net-metering requirements to increase incentives for individuals and businesses to generate their own clean energy, Lujan also pushed for PRC requirements for utilities to diversify their renewable-energy portfolio and develop more solar and other clean sources of energy, encouraging creation of green-collar jobs in New Mexico.

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

Technorati Tags:Ben R. Lujan, NM-03, Conservation Voters New Mexico, New Mexico