FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026
CONTACT
Liane Jollon, Executive Director, 970-769-0354, liane@westernleaders.org
Jessica Pace, Program Director, 615-294-2049, jess@westernleaders.org

New Mexico’s Clear Horizons Act Fails on Senate Floor 

Bill offered New Mexico a pathway to address rising costs and build a clean energy future

Statement from Western Leaders Network Executive Director Liane Jollon: 

“Wildfires, floods and other climate-driven disasters strain local governments by increasing emergency response and recovery costs, damaging infrastructure, and diverting limited resources from essential community services. Local elected officials need a long-term plan to drive down these rising costs. The Clear Horizons Act offered a stable framework for advancing renewable energy development while cutting pollution and protecting public health. We thank the legislators who championed SB 18 for their efforts to empower New Mexico leaders with real solutions to better serve their communities. Today’s Senate vote was a missed opportunity for New Mexico’s economic stability and clean energy future.” 

Background
Today, the Clear Horizons Act (SB 18) failed on the Senate floor in a 19-23 vote. It was sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Mimi Stewart, Senator Angel Charley, Representative Andrea Romero and Representative Kristina Ortez. By codifying New Mexico’s greenhouse gas reduction targets into law and creating a clear framework for state agencies to measure progress, the bill would have provided the continuity and certainty communities and businesses need to plan and invest in a clean energy future and build economic stability.  

Western Leaders Network harnesses the power of local, tribal, and state elected and appointed officials to address the climate crisis, advance conservation initiatives, and protect democracy.