This agreement provides funding under the inflation reduction act (IRA) to new mexico environment department to develop a comprehensive, economy-wide climate mitigation plan or update an existing plan…

The New Mexico Environment Department was awarded a $3,000,000 four-year Cooperative Agreement from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program (CFDA 66.046). The funding will support the development of a comprehensive, statewide climate action plan and meaningful engagement with tribal, local, and disadvantaged communities across New Mexico. Key activities include integrating climate priorities across all state agencies, increasing renewable energy and energy efficiency standards, adopting emissions reduction programs, and managing land and natural resources to advance climate goals. The grant will also fund two full-time positions at the state's sister climate agency, the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, to co-host outreach and collaboratively deliver the grant's three key deliverables: a priority climate action plan, a comprehensive climate action plan, and a final status report.

This agreement provides funding under the inflation reduction act (IRA) to new mexico environment department to develop a comprehensive, economy-wide climate mitigation plan or update an existing plan in collaboration with air pollution control districts, and large and small municipalities statewide, and tribal governments that will support actions to reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) and harmful air pollutants and to conduct meaningful engagement with low- income and disadvantaged communities. Specifically, the recipient will build on the progress made to date to reduce greenhouse gas and air pollution emissions and leverage the funding invested in climate actions to increase opportunities for all new mexicans. The grant allows broad and deep participation at all levels of government and with a diverse group of organizations and individuals. The lead state agencies for the effort, the new mexico environment department (NMED) and the new mexico energy, minerals and natural resources department (EMNRD), will continue to focus on collaboratively developing measures that reduce emissions and address the needs of those communities most disadvantaged while providing universal access to resources and partnership opportunities throughout the fourshy; year grant period and beyond. The grant allows NMED and EMNRD to continue their leadership in the whole-ofshy; state-government approach established by governor michelle lujan grisham and to expand communication and collaboration with tribal governments, local governments, and other entities in new mexico. Activities:in general, activities include the development, updating, and evaluation of plans to reduce climate pollution (i.e., to reduce GHG emissions and/or enhance carbon sinks). Specific activities include : 1) integrating climate change mitigation and adaptation practices into all state agencies' programs and operations; 2) increasing new mexico's renewable portfolio standard ('RPS') and energy efficiency standards for electric utilities; 3) adopting a comprehensive market-based program that sets emission limits to reduce carbon dioxide other greenhouse gas pollution across new mexico; 4) reducing greenhouse gas and criteria pollutant emissions from light-duty vehicles sold in-state; 5) adopting more energy-efficient building codes; 6) identifying transmission corridors needed to transport the state's renewable electricity to market; 7) using an enforceable regulatory framework to secure reductions in oil and gas sector methane emissions and prevent waste; and 8) managing land and natural resources to help advance climate priorities. Subrecipient:the grant will fund two ftes in NMED's sister climate agency, NM energy minerals and natural resources for four years. T the subawardee will be CO-hosting all the climate outreach activities with NMED and working collaboratively with NMED to manage contractor work and complete all the deliverables required under the grant. Outcomes:three key deliverables will be produced and submitted over the course of the four-year program period, including: a priority climate action plan (PCAP), due march 1, 2024; a comprehensive climate action plan (CCAP), due two years from the date of the award; and a status report, due at the close of the grant period. The intended beneficiaries include tribal governments, local governments, and other entities in new mexico.