HOUSE BILL 394

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

INTRODUCED BY

Tara L. Lujan and Cynthia Borrego

AN ACT

RELATING TO ENERGY; CREATING THE CLEAN ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES ADVISORY BOARD; PRESCRIBING DUTIES; MAKING AN APPROPRIATION.

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

     SECTION 1. [NEW MATERIAL] CLEAN ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES ADVISORY BOARD CREATED--DUTIES.--

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

                (1) three experts from renewable energy organizations;

                (2) two experts in building energy efficiency and conservation;

                (3) two experts from the energy infrastructure sector;

                (4) two experts from the oil and gas sector;

                (5) two experts from the investment community;

                (6) two experts in forest and wildlands;

                (7) one expert in state parks;

                (8) two experts from the academic community; and

                (9) one expert from the mining industry.

          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 three members appointed for terms of two years, four members for terms of three years and four members for terms of four years. The remaining six 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 clean energy and natural resources 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; and

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

     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 clean energy and natural resources 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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