NEW MEXICO ALREADY FAILS TO REGULATE OIL AND GAS. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THEY ESTABLISH A WHOLE NEW DIRTY INDUSTRY? | |
Dear Friend, HB 12 was rolled, so we can take Saturday off (except SB 53 - No Holtec bill at 1:00 in HGEIC!). It is rescheduled for Tuesday morning at 8:00AM. A great article today from Capital and Main summarizes the issues with hydrogen and HB 12, reporting "Making hydrogen from natural gas increases hydrogen’s total carbon footprint from leaks in the natural gas production stream that OCD and NMED have historically been unable to thoroughly police. Furthermore, the production process leaves behind vast amounts of carbon that would need to be captured and sequestered underground, an expensive process that, historically, hasn’t met project goals." Why is this bill being pushed now? Why is the Governor promoting it and why is there no hope for amending the bill to make it something acceptable? An article published by NM Political Report before the session began clarifies the strategy of the administration - they are intent on finding ways to "separate ourselves from the other applicants” for federal Hydrogen Hub dollars. NMED Secretary Kenney said "a public-private partnership bill could help with WISHH’s April 7 deadline by showing that New Mexico is not just after the federal grant money." In fact that is precisely what they are after, never mind that dirty hydrogen will fan the flames of climate catastrophe, resulting in higher emissions and a lost opportunity to instead focus on the federal funds available for the development of clean solar and wind energy. Our pressure and opposition is working - sponsors are wheeling and dealing, resulting in this delay. While we wait for the bill to be retooled and rescheduled, keep the calls and emails coming! Contact your friends and ask them to take action as well. We defeated the Hydrogen Hydra once before, and we can do it again. | |
