OPINION: Talk of the Town

Clear Horizons is needed to reset greenhouse gas emissions

In 2024 I lost my home insurance because my carrier declared my house was in a fire zone. It took me months to find another carrier and they charged far more than what I was previously paying.

I realized during this time that I was doing extra work and paying for the privilege because polluters like the oil and gas industry are raking in massive profits at the expense of everyone like myself. I am done subsidizing the shareholders of these companies with my time and energy and that’s why I support the Clear Horizons Act.

Clear Horizons is a chance for New Mexico to reset the greenhouse gas emissions that are destroying our state and our livelihoods. It would cap emissions at 45% by 2030 and set us back to net zero by 2050. I urge lawmakers to take this opportunity, perhaps one of our last, to guarantee a better future for New Mexicans.

Bill Rodgers

Albuquerque

Neither Big Oil nor jobs will leave New Mexico because of Clear Horizons

The oil industry claims the Clear Horizons Act would harm drilling and production in New Mexico. They say it will drive business to Texas, Arizona, Colorado — anywhere but here.

The truth is Big Oil will go where the oil is, and we have oil. They spend literally billions of dollars despoiling pristine Alaskan land for its oil and gas, but they can’t afford regulations here?

Their threats are rubbish. The industry’s decisions are based on the price of oil. When the price is high, they will go anywhere, deal with the most hostile environmental conditions and, yes, find ways to adapt to regulations. They won’t go anywhere if the Clear Horizons Act passes, and neither will New Mexico’s other jobs and businesses.

The oil industry certainly has the means to meet goals set by the Clear Horizons Act. History shows us a hard deadline drives innovation rather than hinders it. When President Kennedy set a 10-year deadline to put a man on the moon, the result was spectacular development in multiple fields.

New Mexico needs the Clear Horizons Act. Our health and the health of our environment will benefit from reduced greenhouse pollution. And Big Oil might just benefit, too.

Fred Helms

Albuquerque

Great to see leaders address climate change

I was so heartened to learn that our governor and state Legislature are prioritizing legislation to address climate change in New Mexico. As a parent and retired teacher, I hear the anxiety our young people express over the future of their planet. I feel a strong responsibility to these future generations who are holding my generation accountable.

The Clear Horizons Act takes responsibility by setting goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It plans for a reasonable, but significant timeline over the next two decades. It supports businesses and communities in their efforts, while reducing the impact on small businesses and agriculture. It encourages growth and jobs in clean energy industries, in which our state leads the country.

In my East Mountain community, I see piñon trees dying. I hear neighbors lamenting the need to cut down numerous trees on their property. Myself, along with others, had my home owner's insurance canceled just last year. The insurance company said the reason for the cancellation was fire danger in my location. Many neighbors are seeing their wells dry up and now have to haul water.

Let's pass this bill now. Our children and grandchildren are counting on us to save the planet for them.

Carol L. Thompson

Tijeras