ABQ, U.S. Hispanic Chambers host third annual Energy Summit in Santa Fe

Don’t be surprised if you run into some of the nation’s biggest energy figures this week in Santa Fe.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, energy experts and officials, policymakers and entrepreneurs are gathering at Eldorado Hotel and Spa to discuss all things energy at the third annual Energy Summit.

The U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is hosting the event in partnership with the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce.

The summit kicks off Tuesday with a welcome reception at the governor’s mansion. Wednesday is full of panels, with discussions on oil and gas, renewable energy and business strategies.

Ernie C’deBaca is the president and CEO of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce and a board member of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He said he’s been persistent to keep the national energy conference in New Mexico.

“It belongs here,” he said, “because we have so many different types of energy that’s available, and then we have the labs here.”

New Mexico can help business leaders grow their energy companies, he said. He said he’d also like to see more energy companies headquartered in New Mexico.

“We want them to realize that New Mexico is relevant, that New Mexico is relevant in the energy discussion,” C’deBaca said.

He said it’s a shame more oil and gas companies aren’t based in New Mexico. As fossil fuel companies continue realizing the clean energy transition, he said, New Mexico is a great place to set up renewables.

“We have so much going on here,” he said. “We want people that are from out of state to see it.”

He said the event is inclusive and isn’t only for Hispanic people, but it’s a great opportunity “for Hispanics in energy to network and talk and try to form relations to help advance their careers or their businesses.”

C’deBaca said a lot of people don’t realize New Mexico is one of very few majority-minority states.

“Hispanics are very involved in the political process,” he said.

Speakers at the conference include U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., Shell USA President Gretchen Watkins, a Toyota vice president, Tom Stricker, and a general manager of Chevron USA, Claudia Graham.

Luján said in a statement he’s thrilled to join the Energy Summit to “highlight how Hispanic communities are playing a leading role in clean energy and tackling the climate crisis.”

“New Mexico is at the forefront of building a clean energy economy — from investing in climate resiliency to tech and innovation,” he said.

The agenda and registration information for the summit can be found online at www.ushccenergysummit.com/home.