HOUSE ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES

COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR

HOUSE BILL 394

57th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AN ACT

RELATING TO ENERGY; CREATING THE STATE ENERGY ADVISORY BOARD; PRESCRIBING DUTIES; MAKING AN APPROPRIATION.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     SECTION 1. [NEW MATERIAL] STATE ENERGY ADVISORY BOARD CREATED--DUTIES.--

          A. The "state energy advisory board" is created in the energy, minerals and natural resources department and consists of the following eleven industry experts appointed by the secretary of energy, minerals and natural resources with the advice and consent of the governor:

                (1) one expert from a renewable energy organization;

                (2) one expert in building energy efficiency and conservation;

                (3) one expert from the energy infrastructure sector;

                (4) one expert from the oil and gas sector;

                (5) one expert from the investment community;

                (6) one expert in forest and wildlands;

                (7) one expert in state parks;

                (8) one expert from the academic community;

                (9) one expert in environmental quality and protection;

                (10) one expert from the mining industry; and

                (11) one expert from an Indian nation, tribe or pueblo.

          B. The secretary of energy, minerals and natural resources shall designate one of the board's voting members to serve as chair. The vice chair shall be elected by a majority of the board members. The energy, minerals and natural

resources department shall provide staff for the board.

          C. A majority of members constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business.

          D. Each board member shall be appointed to a four-year term; provided that initial terms are staggered with two members appointed for terms of two years, two members for terms of three years and two members for terms of four years. The remaining five members shall serve terms of four years. Thereafter, all members shall be appointed to four-year terms. Vacancies shall be filled by appointment by the secretary of energy, minerals and natural resources for the remainder of the unexpired term.

          E. Members of the board who are not employed by the state shall be entitled to per diem and mileage as provided in the Per Diem and Mileage Act and shall receive no other compensation, perquisite or allowance.

          F. The state energy advisory board shall:

                (1) convene at least twice per year, once prior to the legislative session and once after the legislative session;

                (2) provide expert input and specific advice to the secretary of energy, minerals and natural resources and that secretary's staff, to the governor and to relevant interim legislative committees addressing energy and natural resources for implementing and maintaining clean energy in the state;

                (3) establish subcommittees as appropriate;

                (4) develop and promulgate bylaws and operating procedures under the direction of the secretary of energy, minerals and natural resources; and

                (5) generate an annual report to the secretary of energy, minerals and natural resources and the legislative finance committee.

     SECTION 2. APPROPRIATION.--One hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) is appropriated from the general fund to the energy, minerals and natural resources department for expenditure in fiscal year 2026 to create the state energy advisory board to provide expert input and specific advice for implementing and maintaining clean energy in the state. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2026 shall revert to the general fund.

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