Environmental Improvement Board Hearing Starts Today

While cap and trade may have breathed its last breath in Washington, proponents are still fighting for a job-killing, energy-cost-increasing, New-Mexico-only carbon cap (Case no. EIB 08-19). There will be a hearing where the public can listen to the technical testimony August 16-20 in Santa Fe. The public comment period will be held at 7:00-8:00 PM Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday evening. However, anyone who can be present during the daytime, technical testimony hearing portion (Monday-Friday) is encouraged to attend to make the public opposition clear. It is important that those who oppose the regulation be present. Public comment matters. You do not need to be an “expert” and you do not need to give a speech, but you should be prepared to simply stand up and state “I oppose the NEE green house gas cap petition.” You will have a total of three minutes to speak.

If you cannot attend, you are still encouraged to voice your opinion via mail, fax, or e-mail. This can be done by sending comments to: Board Administrator, New Mexico Environmental Improvement Board 1190 St. Francis Drive N2153, Santa Fe, NM 87502 FAX: (505) 827-2836/ email: joyce.medina@state.nm.us

The Environmental Improvement Board is stacked with members hand-picked by Governor Richardson who are likely to support the proposal, despite opposition by a broad-based coalition of businesses throughout the state. Additionally, several of the board members have severe conflict of interest issues. Jim Scarantino of New Mexico Watchdog has done a great deal of work on this.