The Renewable Energy Transmission Authority Act

House Bill 188, the Renewable Energy Transmission Authority Act, sponsored by Representative Jose A. Campos passed the New Mexico House of Representatives by a vote of 50-16, and passed the New Mexico State Senate by a vote of 26-0. Governor Bill Richardson signed the bill into law on March 5, 2007.

It establishes a Renewable Energy Transmission Authority to help export solar, wind and other renewable energy and further build our high-wage, and high-tech economy.  It creates a seven-member board with three members appointed by the governor and two by legislative leaders, along with the state treasurer and state investment officer. The quasi-government authority could plan, finance, build and operate electric transmission lines and power storage facilities. The lines must be planned in conjunction with renewable energy projects such that at least 30% of the energy carried would have to come from renewable sources, including wind, solar, hydropower, biomass or fuel cells.