By Julia Haggerty Ph.D., Headwaters Economics— New Mexico’s combined strategy of targeted public policy, strong leadership, and support for business has made it a regional and national clean energy leader, increasing its green jobs faster than other Rocky Mountain States.
The states with the best early results and strongest competitive position are those able to capture new energy opportunities–not only power generation facilities and manufacturing jobs, but investment and employment in the myriad technologies, products and services related to a growing worldwide demand for clean energy, conservation and energy efficiency.
New Mexico’s success shows the importance of both policy and political guidance at all levels of government, from county commissioner to U.S. senator. The state’s aggressive outreach program, backed by strong incentives–including property tax breaks, bonding, and worker training–has attracted new jobs and investment to the state.…