RENEWABLE ENERGY FACILITY SITING RULES

HB 435 requires New Mexico's Public Regulation Commission to create rules for permitting renewable energy projects (like solar or wind facilities) and storage/transmission sites exceeding five megawatts. The rules must include public and local government input, assess community impacts on health, safety, and welfare, and address scenic, cultural, and environmental effects. This bill directly affects developers of larger renewable energy projects by establishing a new siting process before construction begins. The rules apply to projects not yet approved when the rules take effect, but the bill was postponed indefinitely in committee.