For Immediate Release:
Contact: Chris Nordstrum
(415) 601-1992
Chris.Nordstrum@nmlegis.gov
January 23, 2020
SANTA FE — This week, Senator Clemente Sanchez (D- Cibola, Socorro, McKinley & Valencia) met with NMSU Chancellor Dan Arvizu to discuss the impending closure of the Escalante Generating Station, and how NMSU can assist with mitigating the impact it will have on the local community.
The closure, announced by plant Tri-State Generation and Transmission Authority earlier this month, is expected to eliminate 107 jobs at the plant as well as negatively impact employment at a nearby coal mine and other surrounding businesses and services. The announcement came as a shock to the community and as soon as it was delivered, Senator Sanchez began engaging with those impacted to work on finding solutions that will protect the livelihoods and economic future of the area.
“NMSU is familiar with the issues surrounding the Tri-State shutdown and we have spoken with some of the key players involved. We are part of this community with our NMSU Grants campus and we stand ready to help by offering educational programs tailored to those who have been impacted and in support of economic development in this region,” said NMSU Chancellor Dan Arvizu.
“The devastating impact of this plant closure could be catastrophic to the community,” said Senator Sanchez. “And it goes beyond those who work at the plant. We must pull out all the stops and come together to ensure that those affected by the closure have viable alternative career and training opportunities so that the region can stay economically whole, and families can continue to thrive. I greatly appreciate the pledge from NMSU and Chancellor Arvizu to assist with these endeavors,” continued Sanchez.
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