The House Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee convened on March 8, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding climate change, economic opportunity, and workforce development in New Mexico. The meeting featured testimonies from various stakeholders advocating for initiatives aimed at addressing these pressing concerns.

The session began with Guero Bridal, a representative from Somos un Pueblo Unido, who emphasized the significant contributions of immigrants to New Mexico's workforce. He highlighted the need for support in accessing training for emerging job opportunities, particularly in high-demand industries. Bridal urged the committee to allocate funds to the Department of Higher Education and the Division of Adult Education to create training programs, especially in rural areas. He specifically requested support for SB 48, which aims to enhance job training and support services.

Following Bridal, Travis Kellerman, the senior climate advisor to the governor, presented the Climate Ready Workforce Initiative. He underscored the dual focus of the initiative on climate adaptation and mitigation, while also promoting economic development. Kellerman noted that investments in clean energy sectors could yield significant returns, attracting private and federal investments. He called for the committee's support for the initiative, which aims to create thousands of new apprenticeships and full-time jobs in New Mexico.

Ata Chavis from NM Native Vote also addressed the committee, representing the concerns of tribal communities facing severe impacts from climate change. Chavis advocated for the Community Benefits Fund, which would support traditional land stewardship, renewable energy projects, and other initiatives aimed at reducing environmental harm. He emphasized the importance of funding for grid modernization and community safety measures, urging the committee to prioritize long-term sustainability through support for SB 48.

The meeting concluded with a call for public comments, allowing additional voices to contribute to the discussion. The committee expressed gratitude for the participation of all speakers, highlighting the collaborative effort needed to address the challenges posed by climate change and workforce development in New Mexico.

Overall, the meeting underscored the urgent need for legislative support in creating job training programs and addressing climate-related issues, with a focus on inclusivity and sustainability for all communities in the state.