Report on New Mexico’s Energy Policy and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

This report analyzes the divergence between federal and state-level energy policies in the United States, with a specific focus on New Mexico. It examines the implications of federal policy shifts on key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and contrasts this with New Mexico’s commitment to advancing a state-level clean energy agenda. The state’s actions demonstrate a strong alignment with global sustainability targets, particularly in the face of contradictory federal directives.

Federal Policy Impact on Sustainable Development Goals

Recent federal actions present significant challenges to the achievement of several SDGs. The proposed policy shifts, including the delay of emissions regulations and questioning climate science, directly conflict with the global 2030 Agenda.

• SDG 13 (Climate Action): The potential rollback of a major scientific finding on climate change undermines efforts to integrate climate action into national policy (Target 13.2). Delaying regulations on oil and gas emissions directly conflicts with the goal of combating climate change and its impacts.
• SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): These policy shifts hinder national progress towards increasing the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix (Target 7.2) and promoting investment in clean energy technology (Target 7.a).
• SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Postponing emissions regulations for the oil and gas sector could increase air pollution, adversely affecting public health by failing to reduce deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and pollution (Target 3.9).
• SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): A lack of stringent emissions controls works against the goal of reducing the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality (Target 11.6).

New Mexico’s State-Level Response and SDG Commitment

In response to federal policy changes, the administration of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has reaffirmed its dedication to state-level clean energy initiatives, positioning New Mexico as a sub-national leader in sustainable development.

1. Advancing Clean Energy Policies: The state’s adherence to its own clean energy goals directly supports SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) by promoting investment in sustainable energy infrastructure and increasing the share of renewables.
2. Proposed Clean Fuels Rule: A forthcoming hearing on a clean fuels rule directly addresses SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) by aiming to reduce the carbon intensity of transportation fuels and encouraging the adoption of sustainable practices.
3. Upholding Climate Action: By pursuing independent environmental regulations despite federal rollbacks, New Mexico is taking direct action to strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards, in line with the core objectives of SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Conclusion: Policy Divergence and Implications for SDG Progress

The situation in New Mexico highlights a critical policy divergence between national and sub-national governments regarding environmental stewardship. While federal actions risk impeding progress on SDGs 3, 7, 11, 12, and 13, New Mexico’s proactive stance demonstrates a robust commitment to these global goals. The state’s actions serve as a critical case study in sub-national leadership for achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly within a major energy-producing jurisdiction.

SDGs Addressed in the Article

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

   • The article directly addresses this goal by focusing on New Mexico’s commitment to its “clean energy policies” and the consideration of a “clean fuels rule.” This contrasts with the federal administration’s potential rollback of environmental regulations, highlighting a conflict over the future of energy production and consumption.

2. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • This goal is central to the article, which mentions the “possible rollback of a major scientific finding about climate change.” The discussion around regulating “oil and gas emissions” is a key strategy for climate action, and New Mexico’s independent policy stance demonstrates a state-level effort to combat climate change.

3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

   • As a “big oil- and gas-producing state,” New Mexico’s policies on emissions are directly related to sustainable production patterns. The proposed “rules regulating oil and gas emissions” aim to make the extraction and production of fossil fuels more environmentally responsible, which aligns with this SDG.

Specific SDG Targets Identified

SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

• Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
  • The article supports this target through its mention of New Mexico’s administration “sticking to its own clean energy policies” and considering a “clean fuels rule.” These actions are designed to increase the proportion of clean energy sources within the state’s energy framework.

SDG 13: Climate Action

• Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.
  • The article exemplifies this target by showing New Mexico actively pursuing state-level policies (“clean fuels rule”) to address climate change, even as the federal administration moves in the opposite direction. This highlights the integration of climate measures into state-level planning.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

• Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle… and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil…
  • The discussion about delaying “rules regulating oil and gas emissions” directly pertains to this target. These rules are intended to manage and reduce the release of pollutants into the air from the oil and gas industry, representing a move toward more environmentally sound production.

Indicators for Measuring Progress

• Adoption of a “clean fuels rule”: The article explicitly mentions that a state board will hold a hearing to consider this rule. The formal adoption of this policy is a direct, measurable indicator of progress towards integrating climate measures into state planning (Target 13.2).
• Level of oil and gas emissions: The article implies this indicator by discussing the “rules regulating oil and gas emissions.” The existence and enforcement of these rules would require the measurement of emissions from the industry, serving as a key indicator for tracking progress on reducing pollution from production (Target 12.4).
• Share of clean energy in the state’s energy mix: While not stated with a specific number, the implementation of “clean energy policies” and a “clean fuels rule” implies that the percentage of energy derived from clean sources is the ultimate metric for success, which is used to measure progress towards Target 7.2.

Summary of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: abqjournal.com