NM-03: Sierra Club Endorses Luján

From Luján for Congress:
The national Sierra Club and the Rio Grande Chapter of the Sierra Club have jointly announced that they are endorsing Public Regulation Commissioner and U.S. Congressional candidate Ben R. Luján.

The Sierra Club joins the national League of Conservation Voters and Conservation Voters New Mexico as major environmental organizations recognizing Luján’s outstanding environmental record and commitment to fighting global warming.

“We are very pleased to announce today that the Sierra Club officially endorses Ben Ray Lujan for election to the United States Congress,” said Susan Martin, Chair of the Rio Grande Chapter of the Sierra Club. “In his excellent record as Chairman of the Public Regulation Commission he has shown himself to be a strong environmental leader, and we are confident he will continue to work to protect our environment, our families and our future.”

“Commissioner Ben R. Lujan has demonstrated bold leadership at the PRC that has made New Mexico a leader in addressing global warming and protected New Mexicans from high fossil-fuel prices,” said Tom Robey, political chair of the Rio Grande Chapter.

Along with the endorsement, the Sierra Club will lend its volunteer strength to Lujan’s campaign.

“I am honored to have the Sierra Club’s endorsement. In Congress, I will continue to stand up for New Mexico and our values,” Luján said. “New Mexico has already experienced millions of dollars in renewable-energy development through our 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. Luján 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 limits to increase incentives for individuals and businesses to generate their own clean energy, Lujan 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

“Having been endorsed by the League of Conservation Voters, Conservation Voters New Mexico and now the Sierra Club’s national and regional chapters is a responsibility I take very seriously,” said Luján. “New Mexicans value our great outdoors, and in Congress I will fight to protect our wild lands, curb global warming and make America energy-independent.”

Ben R. Luján is a New Mexico Public Regulation commissioner and past PRC chairman who is running for U.S. Congress in New Mexico’s 3rd District. He has been a leading proponent of renewable-energy development and advocate for consumers’ rights and improved access to health care.

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