(Santa Fe, NM) — Senator Antoinette Sedillo Lopez, Chair of the Environmental Caucus, Issued the Following Statement regarding the Senate Vote on SB18, the Clear Horizons Act:
“Today, the New Mexico Senate failed to pass SB18, the Clear Horizons Act — legislation that would have codified statewide greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets into statute.
The Clear Horizons Act was designed to align New Mexico law with the state’s existing climate commitments, providing long-term regulatory certainty, transparency, and accountability around emissions reductions. Establishing these targets in statute would have strengthened our ability to plan responsibly for the future while protecting public health and economic stability.
Climate change has devastated our state. Our communities are experiencing prolonged drought, worsening wildfire seasons, extreme heat, and growing public health risks. Addressing these realities requires steady, science-based policy and clear governance frameworks.
While SB18 did not advance, the need for durable climate accountability remains. The Environmental Caucus remains committed to advancing practical, responsible policies that reduce emissions, protect impacted communities, and support a just and economically sound energy transition for all New Mexicans.
The legislative session is not over. We remain focused on strengthening climate oversight and public transparency in the days ahead.
Our work will continue.”
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