Udall Holds Roundtable on Energy Efficiency and Conservation in Las Cruces

LAS CRUCES – U.S. Senator Tom Udall hosted a roundtable discussion about the vital importance of creating green jobs, and investing in energy efficiency and energy conservation projects to grow the economy, lower costs for consumers, and effectively combat climate change. During the roundtable, Udall heard from local community leaders, educators, and small business owners, and discussed strategies to develop partnerships between federal, state, and local governments to conserve energy and prioritize energy efficiency projects.

Udall was joined by former Governor of Colorado Bill Ritter, who now heads the Center for the New Energy Economy at Colorado State University; Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima; Dr. Patricia Sullivan, New Mexico State University’s (NMSU) Associate Dean of the College of Engineering, and Director of Strategic Initiatives; Lisa LaRocque, sustainability officer for the City of Las Cruces; Corey Asbill, chair of the Board of the Las Cruces Green Chamber of Commerce and President of Organ Mountain Solar & Electric; Araceli Perea, supervisor for energy efficiency at El Paso Electric Company; Renee Frank, a realtor with Keller Williams Realty, and a certified EcoBroker, specializing in the sale of green homes; Miles Dyson of Inspection Connection LC, a local business that conducts energy efficiency inspections; and NMSU Chancellor Dan Arvizu, who formerly served as Director of the DOE National Renewable Energy Laboratory Lab in Colorado.

“New Mexicans are famously known for making smart use of our precious resources, and this roundtable discussion reflects those values,” said Udall. “I’ve seen firsthand how investing in green jobs and energy conservation is a win-win for our economy and our environment. Energy efficiency is a key strategy to effectively combat climate change, save taxpayers money, and promote a fast-growing sector of our economy, all while creating jobs of the future. That’s why I’m committed to promoting successful energy efficiency programs that are key to reducing carbon emissions – and reducing costs for families and communities across New Mexico.”

“I appreciate that Senator Udall is trying to prepare all New Mexicans, either those in the workforce or those about to be in the workforce, to realize the possibilities of employment in a green economy. We’re blessed with abundant sunshine and great weather. Why not capitalize on it?” Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima said. “It was informative. We got a chance to hear about new innovations, new ideas, things we can improve upon.”

Corey Asbill, chairman of the Las Cruces Green Chamber of Commerce chairman and co-founder of Organ Mountain Solar and Electric, said: “This round table discussion was, for me, a refreshing top level take on the challenges we face in moving our city and state forward to a more sustainable future.”