Martin Heinrich on Energy & Oil

Moral obligation to prevent devastating climate change

Martin Heinrich (D): Yes to both. Climate change is "devastating"--with "moral obligation to be responsible stewards of this earth."

Gary Johnson (L): No. Says human activity is a contributing factor, but doesn't support government role in regulating.

Mick Rich (R): Unclear. Mentions but not as urgent issue. Says Sandia Labs coal plant filter can solve CO2 emissions.

Develop NM solar and wind, not coal and oil

"We've got to continue to fight for a White Sands and Holloman and other federal installations here," Heinrich said. The main argument tonight included a specific type of job--ones in renewable energy.

"Congressman Heinrich has been off in Washington for 4 years pursuing a green dream on energy," Wilson said. Wilson argues there are more jobs in coal and oil in New Mexico, but Heinrich says he's looking to the future.

"We have the second best solar exposure in the country," Heinrich said. "We have incredible wind on the east side of the state." It even became a bit heated when Heinrich mentioned the environment played a role in the devastating fires in the Gilas as some audience members booed and others applauded. "A little thing called climate change that my opponent refuses to recognize," Heinrich said.

Supports cap-and-trade; it causes no big energy costs

Bush stood in way of development of clean, renewable energy

50% clean and carbon free electricity by 2030.

Expressing the sense of Congress that the United States should establish a national goal of more than 50 percent clean and carbon free electricity by 2030 for the purposes of avoiding the worst impacts of climate change, growing our economy, increasing our shared prosperity, improving public health, and preserving our national security.

• Whereas failing to act on climate change will have a devastating impact on our Nation`s economy, costing us billions of dollars in lost GDP;
• Whereas extreme weather, intensified by climate change, has already cost taxpayers billions of dollars each year in recovery efforts, and this will only continue if climate change is left unaddressed;
• Whereas climate change will have devastating public health implications, including increased asthma attacks and exacerbation of other respiratory diseases, especially in vulnerable populations;
• Whereas inaction on climate change will disproportionately impact communities of color and exacerbate existing economic inequalities;
• Whereas the transition to a clean energy economy is feasible with existing technology;
• Whereas the transition to clean energy will create millions of jobs and will increase our country`s GDP and increase disposable household income;

1. Establish a national goal of more than 50 percent clean and carbon free electricity by 2030; and
2. Enact legislation to accelerate the transition to clean energy to meet this goal.

Green New Deal: 10-year national mobilization.

This resolution calls for the creation of a Green New Deal with the goals of:

• achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions;
• establishing millions of high-wage jobs and ensuring economic security for all;
• investing in infrastructure and industry;
• securing clean air and water, climate and community resiliency, healthy food, access to nature, and a sustainable environment for all; and
• promoting justice and equality.