NM Economic Development Department Releases Governor's Green Jobs Cabinet Report

Green Jobs Cabinet Chairman and New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) Cabinet Secretary Fred Mondragón today announced the release of Governor Bill Richardson's Green Jobs Cabinet Report. Entitled "New Mexico's Green Economy: Capitalizing on Assets and Opportunity," the report provides an overview of New Mexico's green economy and a statewide strategic plan for clean technology economic development.

"This report provides a clear outline of the things we need to do to assure our state remains a global leader in energy innovation, as well as detailing New Mexico's abundant renewable energy resources," Secretary Mondragón said in a statement released by the agency. He added, "As Chairman of the Green Jobs Cabinet and Economic Development Secretary, I am thankful for the direction and leadership Governor Richardson has provided in the development of green energy resources and green job creation."

The report outlines five key strategies to grow New Mexico's green economy and offers recommendations to achieve them.

These goals are to:

• Be the leader in renewable energy export
• Be the center of the North American solar industry by making New Mexico the "Solar Valley" of the United States
• Lead the nation in green grid innovation
• Be a center of excellence for green building and energy efficiency
• Have a highly skilled and ready-to-work workforce

The Green Jobs Cabinet report seeks to utilize New Mexico's resources to create new green jobs both in rural and urban communities, as well as ensure that New Mexicans are trained and prepared to succeed in these jobs. The Green Jobs Cabinet has already begun the process of developing a detailed plan for implementing the goals of the report, with definitive milestones, timetables and benchmarks for action.

The Green Jobs Cabinet was formed by Governor Richardson in January 2009 to promote New Mexico's green economy. In addition to chairman Mondragón, the cabinet also includes: Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Secretary Joanna Prukop; Environment Secretary Ron Curry; Secretary of Agriculture Dr. I. Miley Gonzalez; Workforce Solutions Secretary Ken Ortiz; Higher Education Secretary Dr. Viola Florez; Public Education Department Secretary Dr. Veronica Garcia; and Sarah Cottrell from the Governor's Office.

Governor Richardson commissioned the report through Executive Order 2009-02. After the public comment period ended, the report was finalized and released.

The entire Green Jobs Cabinet Report is available in the Green Economy section of the Economic Development Department's website.

Additionally, the EDD will continue to accept public comment on the execution of the report's initiatives. Please email Brendan Miller, Green Economy Manager, at brendan.miller@state.nm.us to submit your remarks.