Energy, Environment and Natural Resources

This memorial requests New Mexico's Energy Department to form a working group to design a pilot project installing portable solar devices (which plug directly into wall outlets) in 5-10 low-income households. The project will measure monthly energy cost savings for participants and assess impacts on local power grids. The working group must include utilities and community organizations experienced in serving low-income renters and households. They must report findings to lawmakers by November 2026.

House Memorial 60 (HM 60) requests New Mexico's Energy Conservation Division to form a study group to explore how buildings can become flexible grid assets through electrification. The study group, including utilities, contractors, consumer advocates, and low-income community representatives, will develop recommendations by November 2026 on programs that lower energy bills, reduce grid strain, and improve affordability. Key focus areas include financing for electric appliances, consumer protections, equitable access for underserved communities, and aligning building technologies with utility planning. The resulting recommendations could shape future energy programs affecting New Mexico residents and businesses using demand flexibility programs.

This memorial acknowledges New Mexico residents affected by radiation from the Trinity nuclear test and uranium mining, urging state agencies to help eligible individuals apply for federal compensation under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act before its December 31, 2027 deadline. It directs the departments of Health, Aging and Long-Term Services, Veterans' Services, and Indian Affairs to collaborate with community organizations and tribal governments to provide outreach, education, and application assistance. The focus is on supporting downwinders, uranium workers, and their families - particularly elders, rural residents, and tribal members - who may need help navigating the federal process. It does not create new benefits but aims to increase awareness and access to existing federal compensation.

This House Memorial (HM 37) requests New Mexico's Energy Department to study the costs of decommissioning solar and wind energy facilities and recommend financial assurance requirements for their owners. It directly affects solar/wind facility operators (who may need to cover removal and land restoration costs) and taxpayers (who could otherwise bear millions in unplanned expenses if facilities fail early). The study will evaluate decommissioning costs, compare state practices, and propose policies to prevent environmental harm or taxpayer burden. Currently, New Mexico lacks such requirements for renewables, despite a 2025 report warning of potential $974 million in unmet costs. The department must report findings by November 2026.

This memorial requests the University of New Mexico Bureau of Business and Economic Research to study whether New Mexico could create a publicly owned electric utility. The study would examine legal requirements, financial considerations, transition planning from current providers, and comparisons with states like Nebraska and Tennessee that operate public utilities. It would assess potential benefits, such as community reinvestment and clean energy use, while analyzing challenges like labor transitions and regulatory frameworks. The bureau must report findings to lawmakers by June 2027, but the memorial itself does not create a utility or change current energy policies.