Governor Bill Richardson Announces Significant Progress on Energy Efficiency Projects In State Buildings

Press Release

Governor Bill Richardson today announced that $12 million in federal stimulus funds is being used to reduce energy consumption in state-owned buildings. Projects include overhauling heating, cooling and plumbing systems and installing photovoltaic systems.

"We are making tremendous progress reaching the state's long-term energy efficiency goals as part of my "Lead by Example" initiative," Governor Richardson said. "These projects encourage sustainable "green" building practices, promote energy efficiency, and stimulate renewable energy use."

The money is part of the $31 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant announced in 2009 for New Mexico's State Energy Program for energy efficiency projects throughout the state. The New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department manages the grant and staff members are working with the General Services Department to implement the energy efficiency projects in state owned buildings across New Mexico.

"Making New Mexico the clean energy state starts at home," noted Jon Goldstein, Cabinet Secretary of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department. "It makes good fiscal sense to reduce energy usage as much as possible by incorporating energy efficiency and renewable energy measures in many of our largest state-owned buildings."

Some of the building projects that have been identified for funding are already in the planning and design stages at the General Services Department. One of the more involved projects is the overhaul of heating, cooling and plumbing systems at the 35-year-old Manuel Lujan, Sr. Building, which houses the Taxation and Revenue Department. Heating, ventilating and air conditioning and lighting upgrades are also in design for the
Harold Runnels Building and a photovoltaic system will be installed atop the Wendell Chino Building.

"These projects must realize energy savings per dollar spent," said Arturo L. Jaramillo, Secretary of the General Services Department. "Reducing utility costs through high efficiency upgrades such as these will result in millions of tax dollars saved in the long term."

The Recovery Act funds come with certain conditions, key among them the "Buy American" provision which requires that all iron, steel and manufactured goods in the projects are produced in the United States. New Mexico contractors have been hired for all of the projects underway thus retaining and/or creating jobs in New Mexico for New Mexicans. Governor Bill Richardson recently announced a Council of Economic Advisers report that says the Recovery Act is responsible for creating 16,000 jobs in New Mexico to date.

More information on these projects visit:
www.CleanEnergyNM.org
www.recovery.state.nm.us
www.generalservices.state.nm.us

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