Governor Richardson Initiates Plans to Make New Mexico the Green Hub of the U.S.

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson is making good on his promises to develop a clean energy economy in the Land of Enchantment.

Recently Governor Richardson signed an Executive Order outlining a comprehensive plan to create New Mexico's green economy.  The Executive Order was based of the recommendations of his Green Jobs Cabinet. 

The Executive Order focuses on five goals:

1. To become a leading exporter of renewable energy.
2. To become the North American leader in solar energy.  This includes research, development, manufacturing, and installation.
3. To expand the state's leadership in energy efficiency and green building.
4. To lead the nation in smart grid installation.
5. To develop an educational system that prepares New Mexico's youth for cleantech jobs.

Besides the Executive Order, Gov. Richardson also announced the release of the New Mexico Green Jobs Guidebook.  This handbook outlines what green jobs are, the educational requirements needed for specific occupations, and the resources available at New Mexico universities and colleges.  Finally Governor Richardson stated he is hoping to implement legislation that would expand the state's Renewable Energy Production Tax Credit.

Richardson sees a growing green economy as essential to New Mexico's future:  “A comprehensive green economy is critical to New Mexico and will lead our state into a new era of economic vitality and stability,”

Read the full story at the Gov Monitor: New Mexico Announces Bold Agenda for Future Green Economy