Governor Lujan Grisham Signs Historic Investments in Resilient Communities and Clean Energy in SB48 into Law
Statewide coalition celebrates Senate Bill 48’s direct investments in local projects that create jobs, support families, and strengthen the communities most impacted by climate change.
Today, Clear Horizons New Mexico, a statewide coalition of environmental, social justice, and conservation advocates from 35 organizations and businesses across New Mexico, celebrates Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signing Senate Bill 48 to create the Community Benefit Fund into law. The Community Benefit Fund, sponsored by President Pro Tempore of the Senate Senator Mimi Stewart and House Majority Floor Leader Representative Reena Szczepanski, makes $210 million in historic investments in job growth and local solutions to climate impacts across the state.
While the cost of inaction on climate change is skyrocketing – the state has already allocated nearly $150 million in 2024 alone for disaster relief from climate-driven wildfires, droughts, and floods – the Community Benefit Fund is a proactive investment that will build resilience to the same threats while creating jobs and new opportunities in villages, towns, and cities across New Mexico.
“From wildfires to drought, climate change is hitting New Mexico hard,” says Ona Porter, Founder Emerita and Clean Energy Leader at Prosperity Works. “But with the Governor signing the Community Benefit Fund into law, we’re turning challenge into opportunity. This investment moves us toward stronger, more resilient communities, clean energy solutions, and a thriving job market.”
The Community Benefit Fund (Senate Bill 48) will invest $210 million in communities that have been disproportionately impacted by climate change, providing resources for workforce development and retraining, renewable energy and infrastructure projects, energy efficiency upgrades, and other projects that reduce carbon pollution all while building a sustainable economy. The Community Benefit Fund and Innovation in State Government Fund (SB83), signed into law by the Governor earlier this week, work together to advance New Mexico’s climate resilience and economic growth. Together, these bills ensure New Mexico isn’t just reacting to challenges but leading with proactive solutions that strengthen communities and drive sustainable economic progress.
“Climate change is already costing New Mexicans, especially Latine and Indigenous communities, our homes, our water, our livelihoods,” says Carlos Matutes, New Mexico State Program Director for GreenLatinos. “With the federal government scaling back climate investments, this fund is a necessity. It directs resources where they’re needed most, fueling local clean energy, protecting communities, and creating sustainable jobs.”
The 2025 Conservation in the West poll found that 77% of New Mexicans support the government taking action to reduce carbon and methane pollution that contribute to climate change. This is unsurprising given the various ways climate change impacts New Mexicans and the state as a whole, including more severe wildfires and floods, extended droughts that limit water supplies, and more extreme weather events and heat.
“This $210 million investment is a step toward economic and climate justice for our communities. By supporting projects that align with Tribal sustainability and self-determined economic development, this fund ensures that Indigenous Nations are not only part of New Mexico’s clean energy future but leading it. From strengthening local economies to modernizing energy infrastructure, this law prioritizes solutions that uphold our values and protect the lands and waters that sustain us,” says Mayane Barudin, Executive Director of Sovereign Energy.
Among the Community Benefit Funds investments are:
- $7.8 million to the Economic Development Department to diversify the state’s economy
- $15 million to the Community Energy Efficiency Development (CEED) Block Grant Fund
- $70 million to Grid Modernization Grant Fund
- $8 million to the State Supplemental Land and Water Conservation Fund for the Outdoor Equity Fund
- $40 million to the Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department
- $10 million to the Department of Workforce Solutions
- $60 million to the Public Schools Facilities Authority
Background
The Community Benefit Fund is one of a suite of bills to address climate change that Senate President Pro Tempore of the Senate Senator Mimi Stewart introduced in the 2025 legislative session. The suite included Senate Bill 4, the Clear Horizons Act, and Senate Bill 83, the Innovation in State Government Fund. Senate Bill 4 would have provided the critical framework, tools and resources New Mexico needs to hold polluters accountable and protect communities from the worst impacts of climate change.
The Clear Horizons New Mexico Coalition is a partnership of New Mexicans across the state from 35 climate, equity, social justice, and conservation organizations and businesses that are raising their voice in unison for climate action in the Land of Enchantment. At Clear Horizons, we celebrate our promise and commitment to keeping New Mexico beautiful and prosperous for everyone, now and in the future. Organizations and businesses include: 350 New Mexico, American Lung Association in New Mexico, Center for Civic Policy, Coalition for Clean Affordable Energy, Coalition of Sustainable Communities New Mexico, Conservation Voters New Mexico, Creciendo Nuevo Mexico, Devil’s Spring Ranch, E2 – Environmental Entrepreneurs, Earthworks, Environmental Defense Fund, GreenLatinos, GRID Alternatives, Healthy Climate New Mexico, Moms Clean Air Force New Mexico chapter, NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council), New Mexico & El Paso Interfaith Power and Light, NM CAFe, NM Climate Investment Center, NM Native Vote, New Mexico Sustainable Business, New Mexico Voices for Children, NMVC Action Fund, Positive Energy Solar, ProgressNow New Mexico, Prosperity Works, Renewable Energy Industries Association of NM, San Juan Citizens Alliance, Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter, Sovereign Energy, SWEEP (Southwest Energy Efficiency Project), the Semilla Project, Western Environmental Law Center, Western Leaders Network, and Western Resource Advocates.
Learn more about why advocates are supporting these vital investments in local projects and jobs growth below:
“By enacting the Community Benefit Fund, Governor Lujan Grisham has put into motion an economy-wide defense against the ravages of the climate crisis,” says AnnaLinden Weller, Senior Policy Advisor for Clean Energy at Western Resource Advocates. “SB 48 provides funding for grid modernization, energy efficiency upgrades for our state’s most vulnerable communities, the development of a clean energy and natural resources management workforce, and building climate-resilient infrastructure across New Mexico. In a moment of reckless withdrawal of federal funding for our state, SB 48 demonstrates New Mexico’s continued commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and creating a sustainable, clean economy.”
“As elected officials and their communities contend with the impacts of climate change, the Community Benefit Fund meets the moment with investments that will build a more resilient economy and climate future for all New Mexicans,” says Jessica Pace, Interim Executive Director at Western Leaders Network. “This fund will help advance the clean energy transition, diversify local economies and bring quality jobs to New Mexico communities. We commend state legislators for getting it over the finish line, and Governor Lujan Grisham for signing it.”
“This is an important step in the right direction, providing an opportunity for New Mexico to support and lift up our communities to build resilience and bounce back from wildfire, drought, and other harms caused climate change and our country’s dependence on fossil fuels,” says Erik Schlenker-Goodrich, executive director of the Western Environmental Law Center. “With the federal government abandoning its responsibilities to the states, there is so much work to be done. The Community Benefits Fund provides hope that New Mexicans can step into the void and get it done.”
“With the Governor’s signature, the Community Benefit Fund becomes a powerful tool for addressing both the climate crisis and economic challenges in New Mexico,” says Alex Eubanks, New Mexico Representative for SWEEP. “By investing in workforce development, energy efficiency, and resilient infrastructure, this fund helps ensure that all communities, especially those most vulnerable to climate impacts, can share in the benefits of a clean energy transition. It is a proactive step toward a stronger and more inclusive future for our state.”
“The Community Benefits Fund is a tangible investment in innovation and strategies that reduce our climate pollution and power workforce. While the Trump Administration shatters our global climate commitments, moves to sell off our public lands, and puts industry in charge of the agencies established to protect us, Governor Lujan Grisham, Senator Stewart and Representative Szczepanski are working to protect our communities by investing in them. In the face of climate powered fires and floods, deep drought and profound heat this bill furthers our urgent work to curb climate change and build a more sustainable, diversified economy,” says Camilla Feibelman, Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter Director.
“This legislation secures a brighter future for New Mexico’s children and families. Breathing clean air while riding in school buses is now possible for many more New Mexico students, helping them to succeed. Improving pedestrian and bicycle safety will save lives and improve public health too,” says James Jimenez with NMVC Action Fund.
“The Community Benefit Fund provides proactive investments in the future of New Mexico and historic opportunities for communities and clean industries across our state, while uplifting those who bear the greatest burden of climate change today,” says Alexis Mena, New Mexico Policy Director at NRDC. “In passing this legislation, our state leaders are unequivocally pursuing a resilient, thriving future for all of New Mexico.”
“The legislature and the governor made a strong investment in New Mexico families through passing and signing the Community Benefit Fund. This action protects our communities who have been disproportionately impacted by climate change and gives us the opportunity to build a sustainable and prosperous future with a robust economy,” says Gabrielle Uballez, Executive Director of New Mexico Voices for Children. “We thank Senate Pro Tem Stewart for bringing this important piece of legislation forward, and we are grateful to the Governor for signing this bill that will have a lasting impact on our communities.”
“Today marks a powerful shift for New Mexico. With the signing of SB23 and SB48, our state is standing up for climate justice, fair compensation, and Indigenous communities who’ve long led the way in protecting our lands. These laws put people before profit, raising outdated royalty rates and investing directly in clean energy, water access, and community resilience. We’re grateful to the Governor and lawmakers for listening and acting. This is what it looks like to move forward together,” says Ahtza Chavez, Executive Director, NM Native Vote.
“Now more than ever, we need bold and historic investments in the economic resilience of our communities as they increasingly face the impacts of climate change,” says Rev. Clara Sims, Assistant Executive Director, New Mexico Interfaith Power and Light. “The Community Benefit Fund meets the urgency of this moment by investing in the common good of our communities and it serves as one critical step toward protecting the future of flourishing that all New Mexicans deserve.”
“This marks a new chapter in New Mexico’s commitment to climate resilience, economic prosperity, and a cleaner, healthier environment for all,” says Giovanna Rossi, consultant and organizer for Moms Clean Air Force New Mexico chapter. “Today, we applaud Governor Lujan Grisham and the leaders behind Senate Bill 48 for paving the way to a healthier, more resilient future for our children and communities. With the Community Benefit Fund’s historic $210 million commitment to job growth and community resilience, we see a powerful example of how proactive climate action can create safer neighborhoods and stronger futures for every child.”
“The Community Benefit Fund is a powerful investment in public health and well-being for New Mexico communities. This is a bold step which supports the transition towards a cleaner energy economy of our state and invests in resilience and adaptation strategies for our communities,” says Shelley Mann-Lev, Executive Director of Healthy Climate New Mexico. “By adopting this legislation, we are taking positive action towards building healthier and more resilient communities in which all New Mexicans can thrive.”
“The Community Benefit Fund will help protect communities from the worst impacts of climate change by creating jobs, investing in infrastructure, and supporting local economies so that all New Mexicans can prosper. At a time of federal disinvestment across a host of programs, funds like these are needed more than ever. We thank Senate Pro Tem Stewart for her leadership and the Governor for signing this important bill,” says Michael Bueno, Senior Manager, State Climate Policy and Strategy at EDF Action.
“These historic investments in clean economic opportunities and solution-based approaches to climate change are a vote of confidence, and a pathway forward, for communities and businesses throughout New Mexico,” says Susan Nedell, Sr. Western Advocate for E2. “By encouraging growth and development in our workforce and across our industries, the Community Benefit Fund will bolster New Mexico’s clean energy economy and open doors for a healthy, thriving and resilient future.”
“The Governor’s 2024 executive orders for almost $150 million for disaster relief, reflect the human tragedy inflicted by wildfires, floods, drought and heat,” says Justin Garoutte, Climate & Energy Advocate with Conservation Voters New Mexico. “With the federal government cruelly scaling back disaster relief, public health funding, and so much more, the Community Benefit Fund is critical for New Mexicans. It directs resources where they’re needed most, fueling local clean energy, protecting communities, and creating sustainable jobs. We applaud the legislature and Governor for prioritizing this critical legislation and signing it into law.”
“Senate Bill 48, which creates the Community Benefit Fund, will help to mitigate some of the burgeoning economic effects of climate change,” says Charles de Saillan, an attorney who represents the Coalition for Clean Affordable Energy. “The Community Benefit Fund will help support solar and wind energy, energy efficiency, and electricity transmission projects, all of which will serve to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. The Fund will also provide training and opportunities for jobs in renewable energy industries. We want to thank Senator Mimi Stewart for sponsoring this bill, and Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham for signing it into law. But, the Legislature still needs to enact comprehensive legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, legislation that stalled again this year.”
“The Community Benefit Fund provides vital investments in our communities to build diverse, healthy economies and improve infrastructure. This funding will help build the workforce we need for high demand jobs now and in the future, while working with communities across New Mexico who are most impacted by climate change. We applaud Governor Lujan Grisham for signing this historic $210 million investment,” says Michael Leon Guerrero, sustainable economy policy advisor for the Center for Civic Policy.
Follow Clear Horizons NM for regular updates on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok