ALBUQUERQUE — During the week of April 1, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and the Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Electrification Caucus, provided a video keynote speech to the first ever Business to Business Electrify New Mexico event hosted by Renewable Energy Industries Association of New Mexico.

“Very soon, most of us will power our cars, heat our water, and heat and cool our homes with clean electrons rather than hydrocarbon molecules,” Heinrich said. “This will not only help us meet the moment and achieve our climate goals. It will help working families in our state lower their costs and live in healthier and more comfortable homes. I want New Mexico small businesses and our workforce to be ready for all the opportunities that will come with this major shift.”

He also talked about how clean energy could help grow the middle class.

“The buildout of our clean energy and fully electrified future is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to grow the middle class. But only if we invest in training our workforce and small business owners for what’s ahead,” he said.  “Over the next decade, to meet growing demands for electrification, we will need to fill thousands of job openings. For electricians, plumbers and pipefitters, HVAC mechanics, and utility line workers. As the proud son of an IBEW lineman, I know what these types of good-paying, union jobs can mean for New Mexicans. These are careers that New Mexicans can build their families around while also helping us build our fully electrified future.”

Heinrich fought aggressively to pass the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022, helping to secure major provisions, including a new rebate program that mirrors his Zero-Emission Homes Act. In the year and a half since its enactment, the new law is already delivering real results for New Mexicans — fighting inflation and lowering costs, transforming domestic clean energy production and manufacturing, and reducing the nation’s climate warming carbon emissions.

By Sen. Martin Heinrich, D- N.M.