By Hannah Grover
Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller signed an executive order Friday in response to President Donald Trump’s recent actions attempting to promote fossil fuels and curb actions intended to address climate change.
Keller signed the executive order while at the Electrify NM conference in Albuquerque, where he was one of the opening speakers.
The conference is an annual event that brings together people from across the electric utility sector, including solar developers, climate advocates and representatives from utilities. This year was the second annual event.
During his speech, Keller highlighted some of Albuquerque’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions, including its goal of powering the city offices and buildings with 100 percent renewable energy by the end of the year. Other efforts from the City of Albuquerque include converting its vehicle fleet to electric vehicles and making its buildings more energy efficient.
He said the efforts in New Mexico, the city and the country are under attack by the Trump administration.
Keller specifically highlighted Trump’s actions to promote coal and to leave the Paris Climate Accord.
“If he can sign an executive order. So can we, and we can actually stand up and defend Albuquerque in this case,” Keller said.
He said the order commits Albuquerque to opposing federal executive orders that result in actions or policies that “obstruct local climate resilience and sustainability.”
Prior to Keller’s appearance, the conference included a recorded message from U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-New Mexico.
“I know that right now, things seem more uncertain than ever,” Heinrich said, pointing to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration as well as cuts in federal spending.
Heinrich said he is committed to pushing U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright to “honor existing legal agreements and deliver funds Congress has passed into law.”
“These are funds that we passed in our inflation Reduction Act and our infrastructure law to strengthen our workforce, and they are funds that help New Mexicans get access to new high quality jobs and skilled trades so that families can better heat and cool their homes at more affordable costs. These are important investments,” Heinrich said.