Bill Richardson

January 27, 2010 -- SANTA FE -- New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson today announced that Spanish renewable energy company GA-Solar will be building one of the largest photovoltaic solar projects in the world in Guadalupe County. GA-Solar and their parent company, Corporación Gestamp, plan to invest $1 billion in New Mexico in the development of this project.

“I believe this unprecedented investment shows that New Mexico has not only become the center of the North American solar industry, but is ready to take its place as a global player in the production of renewable energy,” Governor Richardson said. “Building a comprehensive clean energy economy is key to the economic stability and vitality of New Mexico’s future."    » read more »

Jan. 19, 2010 -- SANTA FE – New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson delivered the 2010 State of the State address today to a joint-session of the Legislature. The address kicked off the 30-day session.

Governor Richardson’s prepared remarks: Before we begin, let me say that the thoughts and prayers of every New Mexican are with the people of Haiti during this terrible disaster.

What we don’t hold in riches, we have in generosity and I would like to encourage our citizens to do all they can to help those in such great need.    » read more »

December 7, 2009 -- SANTA FE - New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson signed an executive order today that directs new emission reduction strategies to address climate change in New Mexico.

Today’s order builds on actions taken pursuant to Executive Order 2006-069 “New Mexico Climate Change Action,” in which the Governor directed state agencies to follow many of the bold recommendations of the Climate Change Advisory Group. The Group produced a plan in December 2006 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of 267 million metric tons and create a projected $2 billion net economic savings for New Mexico’s economy.    » read more »

Sapphire Energy, Inc. to Launch Biofuel Demonstration Project in Luna County

December 4, 2009 -- SANTA FE – New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson today commended Sapphire Energy, Inc. for a successful application to the U.S. Department of Energy for a grant to launch a new multimillion dollar algae biofuels demonstration project in Luna County, New Mexico.

Sapphire Energy has been awarded a $50 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy as well as a loan guarantee of $54.5 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The San Diego-based company plans to build a demonstration project in Luna County near Columbus and Deming. The company also has a research and development complex in Las Cruces.    » read more »

NM Governor Bill Richardson Applauds Administration’s Decision Not to Prosecute Licensed Medical Cannabis Patients and Producers

October 19, 2009 -- SANTA FE – Governor Bill Richardson today applauded President Barack Obama and the United States Department of Justice for their policy to not pursue criminal charges against licensed medical cannabis patients and producers.

The Department of Justice sent a memo to United States Attorneys today advising that they should not prosecute licensed patients and producers who are in compliance with state medical cannabis laws.    » read more »

October 17, 2009 -- SANTA FE -- New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson today proposed his adjusted plan to deal with the state budget shortfall as lawmakers head into a special budget legislative session. Governor Richardson spent the day laying out his plan to lawmakers and stressing his priorities of saving jobs and making sure education is not harmed by major cuts.

“I have made adjustments to my original budget proposal to reflect our new budget realities. But just like my original plan, this is a fiscally responsible package with minimum cuts to services and one that avoids layoffs and furloughs,” Governor Bill Richardson said. “I have made it very clear to legislators that any cuts to education must be minimal and not affect our classrooms, kids and teachers."    » read more »

October 2, 2009 -- SANTA FE -- New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson today announced that two major motion picture projects and a third season of a popular television series are preparing to shoot in New Mexico during the coming months.

“Despite the economy and despite competition from many other states New Mexico’s film industry is still strong,” said Governor Richardson. “We are known around the world for our highly skilled and experienced crew base, our growing base of support businesses and facilities, and of course, our unparalleled locations and climate. Add to that the strong support for the industry from local communities and we are at the top of the list when productions are choosing locations."

The projects are:    » read more »

September 14, 2009 -- SANTA FE – New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson announced today that New Mexico’s unemployment rate will qualify the state to extend unemployment payments under both the federal Extended Unemployment Compensation (EUC) and Extended Benefits (EB) programs.

“The nation is experiencing an increased and continued demand for unemployment insurance benefits and New Mexico is no different,” Governor Richardson said. “With this additional extension, we can offer some relief by helping New Mexico’s unemployed bridge the widening financial gap as they continue to search for work."    » read more »

PNM & EnerNOC agreement part of state’s smart energy management

July 8, 2009 -- SANTA FE -- New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson today announced the State of New Mexico is working to cut energy use during peak demand periods by participating in PNM’s PeakSaver program operated by EnerNOC.

“The State of New Mexico is committed to exploring new and innovative ways to make our energy use smarter and more efficient,” Governor Richardson said. “This partnership will play a key role in our Lead by Example Initiative and will relieve some of the strain on our electric grid during peak energy use periods."

Governor Richardson’s “Lead by Example” Initiative calls for all Executive Branch state agencies to reduce their energy usage by 20% below 2005 levels by 2015.    » read more »

June 18, 2009 -- SANTA FE- New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson and the New Mexico Office of Recovery and Reinvestment today announced the approval of an additional $16.1 million worth of local road and transit construction projects under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The 14 projects are located in Bernalillo, Dona Ana, Luna, Curry, Roosevelt, Eddy, Lea, Otero, Sandoval and Valencia counties.    » read more »

New Transparency & Disclosure Policy Among Strongest in the Country; Bans Campaign Contributions from any Parties Seeking Investment

May 26, 2009 -- (Santa Fe) – New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson and the State Investment Council voted unanimously today to ban any future investments with money managers who employ third-party placement agents, as well as requiring sweeping disclosure of any and all payments made in relation to Permanent Fund investments.

“The ban is the strongest in the nation and appropriately so,” Governor Bill Richardson said.

“With this ban, and the more stringent transparency and disclosure policies in place, I want the public to be confident that we are acting as responsible managers of the state’s Permanent Funds."    » read more »

May 26, 2009 -- SANTA FE -- New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson today praised President Barack Obama’s selection of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to replace retiring Justice David Souter on the United States Supreme Court.

“The President made an excellent choice in picking Judge Sotomayor, making her the first Hispanic Justice on the US Supreme Court,” said Governor Richardson.

“Her life experience combined with her legal intellect should make Judge Sotomayor an outstanding member of the Court. President Obama should be commended for combining diversity and impeccable legal credentials in his selection."

Source: New Mexico Governor

May 22, 2009 -- SANTA FE – New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, following a meeting today with advocates for low-income New Mexicans, pledged $2 million to restore most of the money that was planned to be cut from the state’s General Assistance Program. Without the Governor’s intervention, monthly cash payments for the state’s most vulnerable citizens would have been slashed by 36 percent.

“This cash infusion will enable the program to survive the entire budget year and provide a safety net for our most vulnerable citizens who are counting on this monthly cash,” Governor Bill Richardson said. “It will be up to the Legislature to act responsibly during the next session and do its share to fund this program at an acceptable level."    » read more »

May 22, 2009 -- SANTA FE – New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson has signed an executive order lowering flags to half staff in honor and mourning of one of the original Navajo Code Talkers, John Brown Jr., 88, who passed away at his home in Crystal, NM on Wednesday. He will be laid to rest on Tuesday, May 26th.

“New Mexico has lost a treasure – as we face our current struggles and uncertain times ahead, we may take comfort in knowing we had such notable and excellent examples to follow from the Navajo Code Talkers,” said Governor Richardson. “New Mexicans and all Americans owe Mr.

Brown and each of the Code Talkers a debt of gratitude for the sacrifices they made to guarantee the freedom that we enjoy today."    » read more »

State Seeks Applications for State Energy Program and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program

May 20, 2009 -- Santa Fe - New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson and the New Mexico Office of Recovery and Reinvestment announce that funding from the U.S. Department of Energy through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will be awarded to demonstration energy projects through a Request for Application (RFA) process.    » read more »