the future is NOW - New Mexico Wilderness Alliance

N e w M e x i c o W I L D — T H E N E W S L E T T E R O F T H E N E W M E X I C O W I L D E R N E S S A L L I A N C Ethe future is NOWAlternative Energy: no more oily excuses“It is victory, victory at all costs, victoryin spite of all terror, victory, howeverlong and hard the road may be; forwithout victory, there is no survival.”–Winston Churchill— Why Nuclear Power isn’t the“Quick Fix” for Global Warming— 3 Easy Ways to SAVE THE WORLDNEW MEXICO WILDERNESS ALLIANCEUNVEILS NEW WEBSITE SOON. VISIT US:www.nmwild.orgNew Mexico WILD!Page 1

s t e p h e n c a p r a , e x e c u t i v e d i r e c t o rNotes from theExecutive DirectorBy Stephen CapraFor some time now, the New Mexico Wilderness Alliancehas wanted to do a special issue devoted to energy issues,especially from the perspective of promoting alternativeenergy sources and energy efficiency. However, moving intoour new energy efficient, green office space was the drivingforce behind this newsletter. We now literally put our moneywhere our mouth is. Our new space is a marvelous improvementover our former space-full of light, fresh air, color andgreen building materials. Although the building itself is stillnot complete, it reflects the best ideas of energy efficiency,urban infill building, the use of recycled and natural materials,and water conservation. What it says clearly is that wehave the technology now-today-to make the earth and ourcommunities better and allow average citizens to save moneyand enjoy a better quality of life.new mexicoWILD!WINTER 2006For the past seven years the Bush Administration and theRepublican-led Congress have squandered their chance tomake America less dependent on foreign oil and energy selfsufficient.They have run energy development in Americamuch like Detroit has built cars, inefficiently, ignoring theobvious, fighting change, and showing little innovation. Therelentless lobbying efforts of big oil, coal and the nuclearindustries have successfully pushed an agenda that doeslittle to improve the quality of life for most Americans butdoes wonders for these industries’ bottom line. These energymonopolies have also launched a massive media campaignthat has confused most Americans and influenced publicpolicy, while we continue to pay dearly to stay warm anddrive our cars. The results for our public lands have beenpredictable. Across the West vast tracts of wildlands havebeen destroyed in the pursuit of oil. Otero Mesa and theArctic Refuge remain on the block as the energy issue inAmerica continues to be distorted. But we now have a chancefor change.Our current energy situation is surprising on many levels.President Bush came to the White House with strong credentialson wind power. In a recent New York Times editorial,Thomas Friedman points out that in mid-1996, thenGovernor Bush pushed for wind power. But, after somepolling by the Texas Utility Commission, they discoveredthat people were willing to pay more for wind power. Theycontents4 Victory in the Valle Vidal5 Otero Mesa Update6 Nuclear Power Not the Answer8 Governor Richardson’s Plans9 Dona Ana County Update10 Energy Solutions12 21st Century Automobiles14 NYC Environmentalist15 New NMWA Office Green16 Hike!17 Oil Industry Giveaway18 Running With the Wind19 Battling Military Fuel Waste20 Sponsors23 UNM Wild23 Join us!24 Three Ways to SAVE THE WORLDthen created the Texas Renewable Portfolio Mandate, whichstipulated that Texas Power Companies had to produce 2,000new megawatts of electricity from renewables, mostly wind,by 2009. Almost overnight a dozen new companies jumpedinto the Texas market and the goal was reached in 2005. Yetsomehow, the President ignored his own success and sold outto his friends at Exxon-Mobil.With the Democrats now in charge, have no fear the oiland gas industry will push hard and contribute strongly tomaintain their foothold on power. But there is an interestingdynamic at play. If the Democrats can ignore the dollartemptation, they can push a powerful new energy agenda.Also, given President Bush’s new reality in Iraq and his currentpolling numbers, he may be far more willing to push agreen agenda when it comes to America’s “energy independence”.Think legacy. The question is: what will this newenergy policy look like and will it truly be good for averageAmericans?There are many possibilities out there, and again, industrywill push their agenda. Some green washing is clearly suspect,clean coal, hummm. Ethanols for cars, nice idea, but theresults so far are lacking. The oil and gas industry will continueto tell us that alternatives, while nice, are 20-30 yearsaway. We must tell them clearly- the subsidies are over, nomore government money to destroy our land and water.However, there are some exciting prospects for alternativeenergy. I asked my friend Ben Luce at the Coalition for CleanAffordable Energy in Santa Fe to help create a solid list. TheCoalition is doing the serious legwork to push for alternativesand changing policy on energy. They are doing greatwork and I was very happy to have their support for thisissue. Here are some of his thoughts, along with a few of myown ideas:·A major investment in solar power researchand development. (Sounds like a nice fit forSandia National Lab).·Long-term tax subsidies for building andbuying plug-in hybrid cars. Now that’s a taxPage 2 WINTER 2006continued next page

eak for the average person!·Mandating real fuel efficiency standardsfor all new cars, incrementallyincreasing into the future.·A goal of protecting 25 millionacres of wilderness in the West inthe next five years.·The creation of a renewableenergy standard for every state inthe Union and incentives for havinghigher standards. Nationally thestandard should be at least 30% by2025 and really much higher.·The creation of a program (like theApollo Space Program) that chal-lenges American ingenuity and ourNational Labs to create real alternativesin less than 10 years and fullyfund it.·An energy wasting tax for Hummersand other vehicles that clearlyhave no business on the road. Let’sput that money in a fund for thedevelopment of more fuel-efficientvehicles.·Tax credits and rebates to homeownerswho make their homesmore energy efficient.·More Tax Credits for purchasingenergy-star appliances.New Mexico Coalition forClean Affordable EnergyAdvocating for policies that support clean renewableenergy and energy efficiency since 1997. Jointhe Clean Energy Network today (online) to receiveemail alerts on clean energy policy developmentsin New Mexico. Help us move New Mexicoforward to a clean energy future!Past campaigns of the CCAE include: NM RenewableEnergy Standard, Production Tax Credits forWind Power, Solar Tax Credits for Homeownersand Businesses, Clean Energy Revenue Bonds forSchools, Net-Metering, Energy Efficiency Programs,Green Power Programs, and Environmental Creditpurchase programs for distributed solar power.www.NMCCAE.org·Lifting the current 60,000-vehicle-per-manufacturerlimit on taxincentives for advanced technologyvehicles.·Real incentives for renewables.Extend the Production Tax creditsand Solar Tax credits for at least tenmore years.·National DC (Direct Current)transmission grid with preferentialaccess for renewables like wind,solar, geothermal, and biomass.·Establishment of one or moresolar power generation systems, orparks, in the southwest.·Mandating tax incentives andcredits for development of alternativefuel pumps, infrastructure, gasstations and bio-fuel refineries.As we think about the potential incentivesfor renewable energy, we should also beginto think about disincentives. For instance,charge more taxes on the oil and gas industryfor drilling on our public lands and offshore.Also, tax the oil and gas industry a certainpercentage of their high profits and use thatto fund alternative energy research. Penalizecoal companies through heavier regulationand taxes for mountain top removal. Stop thetax write-off for company vehicles that getless than 30 miles to a gallon. Charge developersmore for building housing that lackssufficient insulation, wastes water or installsnon-energy star appliances.In the end, we need real leadership. We needa vision for making our country energy selfsufficient.We need to make that America’sreal priority. The Democrats and this presidenthave a unique opportunity to get it right,but it will take all of us to make sure they arenot sidetracked by big oil.Clean, affordable energy should be availableto all Americans, and for that matter,citizens of the world. Perhaps nothing will domore to ensure that our public lands remainwild and that wildlife can thrive than a saneenergy policy for our planet. The thirst foroil is causing war on a global scale, from theMiddle-East to Africa. Beautiful parts of theRocky Mountains, Canada, and even easternand southern Russia are being destroyedto feed our addiction. Wildlife in all thesecountries is under assault. Why continue thismadness when we have the ability to change?Why continue to rely on fossil fuels as thepolar ice caps melt and polar bears decline?The warning signs are everywhere and yetthe political will continues to lag far behind.It’s past time for change.But there is a glimmer of hope. Our governorremains a leader on these issues and hasblazed a new path to energy enlightenmentfor New Mexico. Others are following his lead.Al Gore has awakened a sleeping nation tothe realities of global warming and now theDemocrats will take control of congress. Nomore excuses: it’s sink or swim. The time isnow and I am betting that positive change onenergy will come. We must remain resoluteor our wildest public lands will continue tobe under assault. It will take many voices toforce real change. Let’s get started!Main Office505/843-8696 • fax 505/843-8697nmwa@nmwild.org • www.nmwild.orgP.O. Box 25464Albuquerque, NM 87125Las Cruces Field Office275 N. Downtown MallLas Cruces, NM 88001505/527-9962Mission StatementThe New Mexico Wilderness Alliance isdedicated to the protection, restoration,and continued enjoyment of New Mexico’swildlands and Wilderness areas.NMWA StaffLas Cruces OfficeJeff Steinborn, Southern NM DirectorNathan Small, Wilderness Protection CoordinatorSanta Fe OfficeDavid Ehrman, Outreach CoordinatorAlbuquerque OfficeStephen Capra, Executive DirectorTripp Killin, Associate DirectorNathan Newcomer, Grassroots OrganizerTisha Broska, Membership CoordinatorRoxanne Pacheco, Finance ManagerMichael Scialdone, Director of Wilderness ProtectionTrisha London, Membership & Grassroots AssistantBoard of DirectorsWes Leonard, El Paso, TX (Chair)Dave Parsons, Albuquerque, NM (Vice Chair)Tom Mouck, Albuquerque, NM (Treasurer)Todd Hotchkiss, Albuquerque, NM (Secretary)Glen Banks, Placitas, NMPam Eaton, Denver, CODave Foreman, Albuquerque, NMBob Howard, Santa Fe, NMArturo Sandoval, Albuquerque, NMTodd Schulke, Silver City, NMBob Tafanelli, Las Cruces, NMRick Wiedenmann, Carlsbad, NMNewsletter StaffTisha Broska, Managing EditorJoe Adair, Design EditorJames Broska, Copy EditorBecky Noland, Copy EditorWhat is Wilderness?The Wilderness Act of 1964established the NationalWilderness Preservation Systemto preserve the last remainingwildlands in America. TheWilderness Act, as federal policy,secures “an enduring resourceof wilderness” for the people.Wilderness is defined as an areathat has primarily been affectedby the forces of nature with theimprint of humans substantiallyunnoticeable. It is an area thatoffers outstanding opportunityfor solitude or a primitive orunconfined type of recreation,and an area that containsecological, geological, or otherfeatures of scientific, educational,scenic, or historical value.Please visit us atnmWILD.orgNew Mexico WILD!Page 3

Page 4 WINTER 2006Victory In Northern New MexicoValle Vidal Permanently Protected From Oil and Gas DevelopmentBy Jim O’Donnell,Outreach Coordinator, Coalition for the Valle VidalVidal by withdrawing the area from mineralleasing. It reads:We won.On the morning of November 17, 2006, weawoke to find the high mountain meadows,grassy slopes, phenomenal vistas and sustainableeconomic opportunities affordedus by the Valle Vidal permanently protectedfrom oil and gas development by an act ofCongress.Environmental and community victoriesare few and far between these days. It hasbeen particularly tough the past six yearsas a right wing juggernaught has viciouslyattacked our land, air, water, economy anddemocracy. But we now have something tocelebrate.Representative Tom Udall’s Valle Vidal ProtectionAct of 2005 will protect the Valle“…the Valle Vidal Unit of the CarsonNational Forest in New Mexico, whichconsists of 101,794 acres and is identifiedas Management Area 21 in the land andresource management plan for the CarsonNational Forest, is hereby withdrawnfrom (1) all forms of entry, appropriation,and disposal under the public land laws;(2) location, entry, and patent under themining laws; and (3) operation of the mineralleasing and geo-thermal leasing lawsand mineral materials laws.”It is a very simple law. The Act does notaffect the management of the area in anyother way. As we have said over the pastseveral years, the Forest Service has donea generally outstanding job at restoringand managing the Valle Vidal over the pasttwenty years. While challenges do remain,they should be allowed to continue thatexcellent work without the threat of oil andgas development hanging over their heads.The battle over the Valle Vidal has highlightedyet more failings in our decrepitnational energy policy. Communities suchas ours should not be asked to needlesslysacrifice our most important landscapes(not to mention our water and air) to afailed oil and gas oligarchy. This battle hasdemonstrated the need for a comprehensiveand responsible national energy policy thatpromotes aggressive development of cleanenergy resources and energy conservation.Such development would rapidly reduce theeconomic pressure to drill for natural gasthereby slowing the rush on public landssuch as the Valle Vidal, Otero Mesa and theRoan Plateau in Colorado. Such a policywould likewise reduce air and water pollution,protect our recreation-based economiesand move our nation a step closer toenergy independence.The fossil fuel industry is standing in theway of our nation’s “can do” spirit and abilityto solve this pressing energy problem.It’s time they move on and cease workingagainst the better interests of our nation.Not Done Yet...We are not done yet. Our community stillmust work through the Forest Serviceamendment process to determine how theValle Vidal will be managed into the future.The Coalition for the Valle Vidal will remainintimately involved in this process. We wantto make sure that the values accorded theValle Vidal throughout this process serve asthe foundation for the Forest Service’s managementplan. These values include:- the restoration and protectionof the waters and watersheds ofthe Valle Vidal as they are the lifebloodof the land’s wildlife and ourcommunities;- maintaining the Valle Vidal asa vital resource to a sustainablefuture for northern New Mexico’srural and agricultural communities;- assuring that the Valle Vidalcontinues to provide unique recreationaland sporting opportunitiesfor families, hunters, anglers, boyscouts, and other outdoor enthusiasts;- guaranteeing the Valle Vidal willcontinue to provide a home forabundant wildlife populations, andthat the Valle Vidal be managedfor the benefit of The People – allof the people.It is important that the people of northernNew Mexico remain involved in this process.The Forest Service will release its draftenvironmental impact statement (DEIS) forthe area in early 2007. At that time you willhave the opportunity to comment on thatdocument and to tell the Forest Service howyou would like to see the Valle Vidal managed.Please be sure to visit our website(www.vallevidal.org) at that time for informationon how and where to submit yourcomments to the Forest Service.Finally, THANK YOU. Without theincredible help and support of the people ofTaos and Colfax Counties, and New Mexicoas a whole, the Valle Vidal would not be protected.Pat yourself on the back. You are thereason for this amazing victory.On To Otero Mesa!

New Mexico WILD!Page 5Otero Mesa Updatewhere we standBy Nathan NewcomerThere is a lot of talk among environmentalgroups that campaigns must have a stronglegal component in order to win. While thismay be true, it is even more important tohave a strong grassroots foundation. Whenit comes to protecting Otero Mesa, thesetwo ideas alone cannot produce a winnableoutcome. We are witness to that fact today.In order for us to preserve the “Serengeti ofthe Southwest”, we need strong leadershipon the part of our congressional delegation.This includes Representatives Wilson(R-NM), Udall (D-NM) and more specificallySenator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM).ronmental analysis is merely piecemeal—applying only to individual parcels up forlease—rather than landscape-wide.In a move that is both shocking, but alsorevealing, the BLM is also appealing thecourt’s decision. Even though the BLM hasbeen given the go-ahead to move forwardwith their shortsighted oil and gas richagenda, they are fighting the court’s decisionbecause they do not want to spend theresources necessary to safeguard this wildlandscape. The main focus of the BLM’schallenge to the court’s decision is thatthey do not want to perform NEPA analysisat the leasing stage. They would prefer toperform NEPA at the APD stage.As the incoming chairman of the SenateEnergy & Natural Resources Committee,Sen. Bingaman has an important opportunityto lead our country on energy policy.Where this leadership must begin is in hisown backyard, where the Bush Administration,Bureau of Land Management (BLM),and oil and gas industry are wreakinghavoc.In late September, 2006, the US DistrictCourt for the state of New Mexico recognizedthe importance of protecting OteroMesa. The court’s decision validated thearguments made by the State of NewMexico and conservation groups that theBLM must thoroughly analyze the impactsof oil and gas development prior to leasing.However, the Coalition for Otero Mesa hasappealed the court’s decision because thecourts requirements for thorough envi-NEPA, or the NationalEnvironmental Policy Act,requires governmentalagencies to analyze howdevelopment will impactthe environment, and providesthe public with theopportunity to comment.An APD is an Applicationfor Permit to Drill. BLMclaims that it is easier forthem to conduct NEPA atthe APD phase and thatit can be done properly.However, the agency’s trackrecord on performing thoroughNEPA analysis at theAPD stage is utterly abysmal.The entire purpose ofNEPA is to act as a warningsign that says “Hey, beforemoving forward we bettermake sure this isn’t goingto have drastic impacts.”Yet, once an APD is issued,the oil and gas companyhas a legal right to proceedwith that permit, regardlessof whether the agencyobjects.This reasoning speaks volumes aboutthe BLM’s unwillingness to protect OteroMesa’s grasslands, abundant wildlife, orfresh water aquifer and is why it is imperativethat federal legislation be introducedand passed through Congress.Though a National Conservation Area isour ultimate goal of permanently protectingOtero Mesa, it seems apparent that wecannot get this type of legislation passedquickly enough to stop oil and gas drilling.In theory, the oil and gas industry couldbegin putting new wells into Otero Mesa byFebruary 2007. Yet the state of New Mexicois still strongly committed to preservingthis ecological jewel and will continue tofight any attempts by the oil companies.While the state’s strong leadership is help-ing to hold the line and will bring aboutmore opportunities for the protection ofOtero Mesa, we must keep our focus on thecongressional delegation to quickly introducelegislation in 2007.Beginning next year, we will steer our strategyin a somewhat new direction, one thatworks to build consensus amongst our delegation,while still holding the line on permanentlyprotecting Otero Mesa from oiland gas development. It is imperative thatSenator Bingaman become a strong leaderand be willing to stand up for the preservationof the largest and wildest grasslandleft on public lands in America.CALL TO ACTIONSign up for the Otero Mesa listserve atwww.oteromesa.org. Sign the petitionto Senator Bingaman at http://ga1.org/campaign/oteromesa_petition.

Page 6 WINTER 2006Nuclear Power:Why it’s not the AnswerBy Stephen Capra and Ben LuceAs global warming becomes the hottesttopic on the environmental radar, andenergy use continues to soar, the resurgenceof the nuclear power industry hastaken center stage. Many, including environmentalists,say that nuclear power isthe key to our energy future and limitingglobal warming. Nevertheless, before wejump to conclusions, let’s take a closerlook at the new wave of nuclear powerplants so strongly advocated by many incongress, a handful of conservationists,and much of the well-meaning generalpublic.This will help us to better understandthe potential impact of nuclearpower plants on America’s, and for thatmatter, the world’s energy future.After Three Mile Island, the nuclearindustry was on the ropes. New constructionfell, and the combination of constantcost overruns and nightmarish publicitystopped the industry dead in its tracks.Or so it appeared. Even then, industryworked hard to maintain a foothold, lobbyingcongress and placing advertisementsin National Geographic magazinein an effort to clean up their image.Then the Chernobyl accident occurred inRussia, seemingly sealing the fate of theindustry. However, as sometimes happensin life, they were given another chance,and thus we have the Nuclear Industry,Act II.The Money PitFor more than 50 years, the nuclear industryhas been heavily subsidized by yourfederal tax dollars to a tune of $66 billion(for research and development alone), andyet today no construction can occur withoutmassive federal subsidies. In addition,in 2005 congress renewedthe Price-Anderson NuclearIndustries Indemnity Act,which covers all non-militarynuclear facilities constructedin the United States before2026. The act establishes a nofault insurance-type systemin which the first $10 billionis industry funded, but anyclaims above that figure shouldan accident occur, would be paidby the federal government. SandiaLaboratory calculated in 2004 that thecost of a serious nuclear plant accidentwould likely run $600 billion or more.In the 2005 Energy Bill, according tothe non-profit group Public Citizen, thenuclear industry was the clear winnerraking in more than $12 billion in subsidies.This included tax credits foreach kilowatt-hour of nuclear generatedenergy produced from new reactorsduring the first eight years of operation,which will cost the US Treasury more than$5.7 billion in lost revenue. The bill alsoauthorized a $2 billion “risk insurance” topay industry for any delays in constructionof new power plants. To compare,the oil and gas industry received about $6billion in subsidies, while the coal industrygot $9 billion. However, it is clear thatit isn’t solely building nuclear plants thatrequires subsidies, but also keeping themin operation. In the end, pages could bewritten about the loan guarantees, moniesfor R&D, as well as the travesty known asthe Advanced Hydrogen Reactor Co-GenerationProject for the nuclear industry.Mining, refining and therealities of global warmingAnother aspect of nuclear power rarelydiscussed is the uranium needed to generatepower. The supplies of high-gradeuranium (ores that contain about 0.1%U-235, as opposed to 0.01% or less) arein relatively short supply. Today, nuclearpower generates about 20% of power inthe United States. Worldwide, nuclearpower supplies less than 6.5% of totalpower, according to an MIT study. Thetotal world energy supply, converted intoelectrical power units, is about 12.8 trillionwatts (about 13,000 gigawatts). Totalworld nuclear power capacity is about 370gigawatts, coming from 442 reactors.Many have argued that nuclear poweris the key to stopping global warmingbecause nuclear power does not generatecarbon dioxides and it slows the consumptionof fossil fuels. Nevertheless,there are some serious problems withthis hypothesis. First, the cost of nuclearpower is simply not viable or sustainable.Second, any major expansion of nuclearpower would require a complementarydevelopment of uranium mining. Thiswould quickly deplete the supply of highgradeores, in turn causing tremendouspressure to mine uranium wherever itcould be found. This could lead to potentiallydisastrous environmental impactsfrom in-situ leach mining (a.k.a. pumpinghighly toxic solutions in the groundto force out uranium-rich solutions). Thistype of mining presents a major threat tovarious aquifers, including those in NewMexico.Alreadythere havebeen proposals tomine Mt. Taylor. Todayin the Navajo Nation more than1,000 abandoned uranium mines dot thelandscape, leaving a trail of poisonouswaste across the reservation. Companiesseeing a modern day uranium rush arestaking claims to the boundaries of thereservation. Mark Pelizza, vice-presidentof Uranium Resources Inc. (URI) callsthe Navajo Nation, “the Saudi Arabia ofUranium”. With uranium prices eclipsing$62.50 a pound, people are pushingfor access to lands across the West. URIwill start mining in Church Rock in 2008.If they convince regulators that the workis environmentally sound, they will alsobegin mining in Crownpoint.The Navajo Nation is saying “no” to suchefforts. Last year it passed a ban onmining or processing uranium in “NavajoIndian Country” a term designed to safeguardthe reservation and neighboringcommunities. But despite this ban, theuranium companies continued to pushfor access, forcing tribal President Shirleyto sign an executive order that instructedall tribal employees to “avoid any communicationwith uranium company employees.”However, the Navajo Nation remainspoor and the uranium companies arebanking on that to shift perception theirway and gain access. They continue topush their agenda with lobbying effortsin Washington to increase accessibilitywhile keeping uranium prices sky-high.From the Navajo perspective, no drillingcan occur when there remains so muchcontamination from old drilling and nofunds to clean it up. Across the West, inareas where drilling has occurred, aquifer

New Mexico WILD!Page 7contamination continues to plague thearea. The Navajo continue to fight: protesting,educating their people and goingto Washington.An increase in nuclear power of the scalerequired to significantly slow globalwarming (10,000+ plants), coupled withthe small supply of high-grade ores,would also create intense pressure to fullyincorporate “reprocessing” of spent fuelrods, by which a large amount of unusedfuel can be accessed. Spent fuel rods containabout 1% plutonium, however, andin the wrong hands can be used to makethermo-nuclear weapons if the reactor isrun in such a way to produce plutonium-239 instead of other plutonium isotopes.A large and expanding nuclear industrywould inevitably lead to many, manynations having unbridled access to plutoniumat plants around the world. Thiswould create an unbelievable potentialfor weapons proliferation, far beyond anythingwe have seen. Developing a powersource that seconds as a serious terroristtarget or a weapons cache does not seemin our country’s best interest. Proponentscontinue to claim that the US and itsallies will be able to control the supplyand reprocessing of fuel rods, so that theplutonium produced would only be usedto produce more power. Meanwhile, Iranand North Korea are snubbing US effortsto control nuclear fuels and many morecountries around the world that have theexpertise to build reactors and weaponsare currently moving toward productionwithout any obligation to theUS and its allies.In terms of globalwarming, it is truethat nuclear poweris a cleanersource of energythan coal firedplants or evennatural gas,because nukesdon’t producecarbon dioxide(if you ignorethe mining). Butto have a tangibleimpact on globalwarming it wouldrequire a major constructionundertaking. In order todisplace fossil fuels worldwide, wewould need to construct 10,000-30,000new nuclear power plants to produce theneeded 12.8 trillion watts of world energy.Remember, today there are slightly morethan 400 existing plants. While many canargue that it’s a positive step to get morenuclear power online to reduce greenhouse gases, if we refocus our energy priorities,we can obtain the same resultsby conserving and using alternativeenergy sources.DisposalLet’s take a look at that messy problemof disposing of radioactivewaste produced by nuclear powerplants. According to a recent articlein National Geographic, currently inthe US there are more than 52,000tons of spent radioactive fuel fromour nation’s commercial and defensenuclear reactors. There are also morethan 91 million gallons of high-levelwaste left over from plutonium processing,scores of tons of plutonium,more than half a million tons ofdepleted uranium, millions of cubicfeet of contaminated tools, metalscraps, clothing, oils, solvents andother wastes. In addition, there aremore than 265 million tons of tailingsfrom milling uranium ore. Thegovernment’s solution is to transportsome of the low-level waste to the WIPPfacility just east of Carlsbad. But the moreambitious proposal is to build a repositoryat Yucca Mountain in Nevada.Yucca Mountain is located only 80 milesnorthwest of Las Vegas. It is the only USsite currently proposed to store morethan 77,000 tons of high-level radioactivewaste from US weapons sites andcommercial nuclear reactors. The nuclearindustry has thus far succeeded, thanks toa very aggressivelobbyingefforttooverturnNevada’sveto of the Yucca Mountain proposal in2002. Yet to date, numerous scientific,economic and policy problems continueto plague the Yucca Mountain project.The proposed dump faces an uncertainfuture in upcoming regulatory, legislativeand legal processes. Meanwhile the wastepile continues to grow at existing nuclearpower plants and the security of theseplants remains questionable.On June 9, 2004, according to the nonprofitPublic Citizen, the Nuclear EnergyInstitute (NEI), an industry-lobbyinggroup and trade association, hired theWackenhut Corporation, a private securityfirm, to manage and provide personnelfor “force-on-force” mock terroristattack exercises at all 103 nuclear plantsin the US. These important tests aredesigned to ensure the safety and integrityof our nuclear power infrastructurefrom terrorists. But the tests themselveshave been compromised by a clear conflictof interest; Wackenhut, the companyconducting the tests, also provides thesecurity guards at more than halfof the nuclear plants in America.There was a strong motivationfor Wackenhut-employed “pretendterrorists” to go soft whensimulating an attack, and to let theWackenhut-employed plant guardswin. If the pretend terrorists hadmounted an aggressive attack thatactually breached security, Wackenhutcould have lost their lucrativecontracts. Many public interest groupshave protested this obvious conflict, butthis mock drill once again points to a concentratedeffort to ease the public’s mindabout security without really performingthe necessary diligence.The FutureStarting with our new congress, it isessential that we begin to seriously fundclean alternative energy sources. We donot need nuclear power to fight globalwarming, nor do we need it to supply ourgrowing energy demands. We have vastrenewable energy sources, especially windand solar energy, which dwarf the potentialof nuclear power. Energy efficiency isalso the key to our energy future. However,it begins with an Apollo-like investmentin alternative energy. Let’s put $12 billionor so into solar research and developmentevery year for the next ten years. Let’s alsoput serious money into energy efficiencyand designing automobiles that get 200-300 miles per gallon.Renewable energy is now growing withoutserious government support at a rateof 30-40% per year, in virtually all sectors.In Germany, the focus has moved fromnuclear to alternative development. Theseenergy sources are developing without thethreat of terrorists, contamination, wastedisposal issues and are also helping tomake communities more self-sufficient.They are also creating long-term employmentfor people across the country. Willalternatives be enough to stop globalwarming? The jury is still out. But it willclearly be alternative energy sources thatmake America cleaner and less dependenton Middle-Eastern oil and politics, whilecreating energy that does not threatenglobal stability. Much like electric cars,there are special interests that do not wantpower generation that is not centralizedand full of government subsidies.Once again, it’s time to infuse some sanityinto the energy debate. Perhaps with anew congress we can turn a page…onethat for the first time makes energy developmentand production compatible withclear air, water and stronger communities.

Page 8 WINTER 2006Governor Bill Richardson Proposes Far-ReachingActions on Energy and Environmental IssuesRenewable Fuels, GreenBuildings and Climate ChangePart of Legislative ProposalsIn late October, Governor Bill Richardsonannounced his legislative agendafor clean energy and a clean environment.The Governor’s agenda, designedto invest in the tax incentives, biofuelsand green buildings, will continue tomake New Mexico the nation’s CleanEnergy State. It includes a $23 millioninvestment in energy efficiency andgreen buildings, a recurring investment($9.6 million this year) for land,wildlife, and clean energy projects, and$3 million in tax incentives for biofuels,energy efficient appliances and renewableenergy manufacturers.Governor Richardson’s agenda includesincreasing the funding available forpublic school facilities by four percentto help build green public schools acrossthe state. School projects that achieve aminimum rating of “LEED Silver”and can show a 50 percent increase inenergy efficiency will be eligible for thisfunding. Governor Richardson will alsopropose a tax cut for certified EnergyStar appliances. On efficient large applianceslike refrigerators, clothes washers,dishwashers and water heaters, thegovernor will propose a one month taxholiday for New Mexico consumers. Hewill also seek an income tax credit forpurchasers of Energy Star Certified centralheating and cooling systems.To help break our addiction to foreignoil, keep our air clean and create jobs,Governor Richardson proposed taxcredits for the use and distribution ofbiofuels like biodiesel. Under the Governor’sproposal, biodiesel distributorswill receive a six cent per gallon taxcredit for every gallon of B5 biodieselblend delivered beginning in 2007, andbiodiesel facilities will beeligible for a one time taxcredit of 30% of the costof equipment and installationto allow for thesale of biodiesel blendedfuels. He also announcedbiofuel standards thatwill mean by 2012, fivepercent of every gallon ofdiesel sold in New Mexicowill come from agriculturalsources, and a 20percent biodiesel standardby 2020. This planwill save the equivalentof half-a-million barrelsof oil per year by 2012,rising to 2.2 million barrelsof oil saved annuallyby 2020.To continue the progressthe Richardson Administrationhas made onaddressing global climate change –becoming the first state to join the ChicagoClimate Exchange and mandatingsome of the toughest greenhouse gasemission reduction goals in the nation– Governor Richardson said that hewill seek regulations through the StateEnvironmental Improvement Boardto dramatically reduce the greenhousegas emissions of new cars and truckssold in New Mexico by approximately22% by 2012 and 30% by 2016. This willkeep an estimated 10.5 million metrictons of carbon dioxide pollution frombeing released into New Mexico’s air.Eleven states including New York andCalifornia have adopted similar standards.The Governor also announced that hewill increase the percentage of electricityNew Mexico utilities are required togenerate from renewable sources (theRenewable Portfolio Standard or RPS)to 15% by 2015, and work with our utilitypartners in the state to achieve 25%by 2020. The state’s current RPS, signedinto law by Governor Richardson, mandatesthat 5% of New Mexico’s electricitycome from renewable sources by2006, increasing to 10% by 2011.Governor Richardson will also work toestablish a Renewable Energy TransmissionAuthority here in New Mexicoto both develop our clean resourcesand help market it to other states. Andhe will propose tax credits for renewableenergy factories like Advent Solar,which plans to create as many as 1,000jobs in Albuquerque.Finally, Governor Richardson will proposea land conservation fund with aportion of the proceeds from the existingOil Conservation Tax –about $9.6million this year. This funding willsupport land, wildlife, and clean energyprojects, such as help ranchers diversifyinto wind energy production, fund localcommunities looking to create trailsand provide a resource for hunters andanglers who want to protect wildlifehabitat. A $10 million investment tocreate an Energy Innovation Fund -- modeled on New Mexico’s successfulWater Innovation Fund -- will go a longway toward developing new technologiesand effective clean energy projects.“It’s a big agenda, but I believe energyindependence and climate change aretwo issues that require big, bold thinking,”said Governor Richardson. “Wehave made tremendous progress in thelast four years and I am very proud ofwhat we have accomplished -- the Governor,the legislature and the environmentalcommunity -- working together.This agenda will see that this progresscontinues.”special thanks to the following who helped to make our2006 wilderness conference a success:Hildegard Adams, Nancy Murray, Chuck Houston, Carol Chamberland, Phil Carter,Leah Vermont, William Stone, Jan Bartelstone, Ruth Tatter, Michelle Chrisman,Sandra Place, Amy Stein, Anthony Howell, David Muench, Roger Kaye, Dave Foreman,Michael Soule, Michael Robinson, Dave Parsons, Dutch Salmon, Arturo Sandoval,Subhankar Banerjee, Nancy Morton, Christianne Hinks, Ken Madsen & Erik DuMont

New Mexico WILD!Page 9DOÑA ANA COUNTY UPDATEAs writer Wallace Stegner said, “We simplyneed that wild country available to us…itcan be a means of reassuring ourselves ofour sanity as creatures, a part of the geographyof hope”. In Doña Ana County, 2006inspired many who hope for lasting wildernessprotection and a future full of secureopen, natural public lands.2006—A RecapBuoyed by the late 2005 visit of former InteriorSecretary Bruce Babbitt, the campaignwas off and running at the New Year.Resolutions passed by Las Cruces, Doña AnaCounty, Mesilla, Hatch, and Sunland Parkin January and February 2006 uniformlysupported designating wilderness in BroadCanyon and the East Potrillo Mountains, inaddition to Doña Ana County’s eight currentWilderness Study Areas (WSA’s). Theyalso called for a large National ConservationArea (NCA) to protect the Organ Mountainsand East Mesa. The resolutions reflect whatis known as the “Citizen’s Wilderness &National Conservation Area Proposal”.This unprecedented show of support seguedinto summer, with a television commercialshowcasing diverse wilderness supporters—everybodyfrom a husband and wifehunting team to the owner of one of LasCruces’s most well known furniture stores,Ashley Furniture.Recent outings to Broad Canyon have begunraising the profile of this little known gem,less than an hour from Las Cruces. As LasCruces physician Dick Meltzer said followinga recent visit, “this was our Chanukahpresent, hiking in Broad Canyon”. More citizensare experiencing this enchanted area’sspecial qualities—high orange cliff walls,weighty silence softened by a Canyon Wren’scall, water pooled in the pink-white rocks,deer tracks in the soft canyon sand.Over 400 People Turn Out toSupport WildernessOn November 1st the Regional Land ManagementCommittee convened its final publicinput meeting. This committee, composed ofLas Cruces City and Doña Ana County staff,aimed to increase public involvement andbegin building recommendations for DoñaAna County public land conservation. Forthis final meeting held at the New MexicoFarm and Ranch Heritage Museum, staffexpected around 100 people to attend.Instead, over 400 concerned citizens occupiedevery seat, leaving a standing roomonly crowd. Each time someone spoke forprotecting wilderness, loud applause rippledthrough the hall. There were only three timeswhen individuals spoke against strong wildernessprotection; after each, the room felllargely silent.Men, women, and children all eloquentlyexpressed their reasons for wanting placeslike the Robledo and Organ Mountains “protectedin perpetuity” to quote Wilderness Actauthor Howard Zahnhiser. Some, like developerTom Tate, noted the economic benefitspermanent wilderness can bring, saying,“…developers want wilderness”. Long-timeresident Pat Penfield spoke convincingly forthe need to protect Broad Canyon because ofits high value as a wildlife corridor. Time andagain, the night showcased the overwhelmingsupport Doña Ana County citizens havefor strong wilderness protection for their lastwild public lands—and soon.Stakeholder RepresentativesSelectedAfter the final public input meeting, the socalled‘stakeholder’ groups were reorganized,with each group selecting two representatives.The final stakeholder groups are: 1)Developers/Homebuilders; 2) Non-motorizedrecreation; 3) Motorized recreation; 4)Sportsmen; 5) Ranchers; 6) Business & EconomicDevelopment; 7) Conservationists; 8)Community Action Groups.Since late November, stakeholder representativesand other interested citizens have beenmeeting twice weekly, beginning at 6pm, andsometimes not ending until 9pm. As wildernesssupporter and Las Cruces residentEllen Young notes, this schedule “makes itnearly impossible to attend these meetings,”because of the added holiday season timeconstraints, not to mention work and familytime commitments.Still, the meetings have fostered interactionbetween different ‘stakeholders’. In addition,several guest speakers have attended the sessions,including U.S. Border Patrol agents,New Mexico’s Search and Rescue coordinator,Doña Ana County’s lead planner andothers. Several guest speakers are expectedin January as well. Las Cruces planner CarolMcCall has posted updates from these meetingson a special website: http://www.lascruces.org/cd/rlm/.Although many Doña Ana County off-roadenthusiasts support wilderness, some membersof the local 4-Wheeling communityhave signaled they will stop at nothing toprevent protection for Broad Canyon. TheNew Mexico Wilderness Alliance is workingwith all stakeholders, especially the smallnumber of area ranchers whose concernsin many ways reflect our own: ensuring thelong-term health and productivity of theland, and keeping it free from developmentand destruction, including irresponsible offroadvehicle use.Looking AheadAfter a successful run for State Representative,Jeff Steinborn returned as the NewMexico Wilderness Alliance’s SouthernDirector. Following recent elections, SenatorJeff Bingaman will chair the Senate NaturalResources Committee, with Senator PeteDomenici the ranking member. New Mexicois incredibly lucky to have both distinguishedSenators in such important positions on thiskey committee. The New Mexico WildernessAlliance remains committed to workingwith both of them, and Congressman StevePearce, to ensure Doña Ana County’s deservingpublic lands are designated wilderness.Get InvolvedVisit http://www.las-cruces.org/cd/rlm/.Public comments submitted so far areoverwhelmingly pro-wilderness. But, it isvery important that caring individuals continuesubmitting comments. Contact CarolMcCall: cmccall@las-cruces.org, or 505-528-3209 and make sure she knows you supportthe Citizen’s Wilderness and NationalConservation Area Proposal. Include whythese areas should be protected, especiallythose that you have a personal connectionto.To stay up to date on the Doña AnaCounty Wilderness Campaign, please visitwww.DonaAnaWild.org

Page 10 WINTER 2006Energy Solutions, Oil & Gas,and an Economy of WasteBy William M. BrownAs a science advisor for the Coalition forthe Valle Vidal and others, I am variouslyappalled, insulted and amused by theclaims of the oil and natural gas drillingindustry. This industry has chosena principal function of exploiting oil andnatural gas resources and returning aprofit on investment by its shareholders.Claims about anything other than thisoverarching economic purpose, such as“energy independence” or “environmentalresponsibility” or “energy solutions”tend to be bogus. Further, our citizenryis misled from understanding our complexenergy picture because of absurd orunqualified claims by the industry andits apologists that are frequently repeatedin our mass media.The USA wastes as much as half thenatural gas it produces and imports eachyear. The waste occurs because of deplorablethermal inefficiencies of our nation’sbuildings and widespread ignorance aboutfundamental residential energy conservationprinciples. Additionally, power plantslose two-thirds of their energy in wasteheat. For every one unit of electricityconsumed in our homes, for example, twounits have been lost at the power plant.Because natural gas is burned at powerplants to produce electricity, (and withoutconsidering inefficiencies in manufacturingand other industrial and commercialnatural gas applications), the USA isis also scarce. But what is truly scarce isthe ability of our planet’s environmentalsystems to assimilate the wastes producedby extracting, transporting, burning, andotherwise using oil, natural gas and otherfossil fuels. Thus, we should not be worriedso much about oil and natural gasscarcity, but we should be very worriedabout carbon management and managingother emissions related to fossil fuels overthe course of the 21st century.Energy IndependenceJohn J. Fialka in the July 5, 2006 edition ofThe Wall Street Journal wrote, “The U.S.bring us to a level of consumption thatmatches our proved reserves. These comprisea grand total of only 3 to 4 percentof global reserves. This means all of theoil and natural gas from the entire NorthAmerican continent will not serve to offerenergy independence nor energy securityfor the USA.Thus, the USA must rely on oil and naturalgas imports for its longer term energydemands while we make a transitionto alternatives. In terms of natural gas,for example, the global infrastructurefor transporting natural gas as liquefiednatural gas (LNG) is now being built, andits construction and operation is facilitatedby the USA Energy Policy Act of2005. The U. S. Energy InformationAdministration projects LNG importsinto the USA to rise at an average of16 percent per year between 2002 and2025 as North American natural gasreserves are depleted. The fact of theLNG infrastructure buildup – and itssubsidy with taxpayer money – clearlybelies any political rhetoric about“energy independence” for the USA.Energy CrisisOil and natural gas resources are abundantin the world, although they aredecidedly not abundant in North America.In any case, the United States andother countries clearly are not takingcrisis-related actions on energy. In a truecrisis, typical actions would include mandatoryenergy conservation, a reducednational speed limit, massive reductionsin unnecessary night lighting, andrationing supplies of gasoline and heatingfuels. These measures would be coupledwith urgent, heavily funded programsto develop alternatives to oil and naturalgas. The USA has experienced true energycrises during the past century, these beingrelated to World Wars I and II and extremeThe USA wastes as much ashalf the natural gas it producesand imports each year.gasoline shortages in the 1970s. However,the word “crisis” in current use has cometo be a term of convenience to justify politicalactions and policies in the absence ofactual crisis situations.wasting a minimum of about five to sixtrillion cubic feet of natural gas per year.This means that, at a minimum, we as anation waste the equivalent of the naturalgas reserves of 60 to 75 of New Mexico’sValle Vidals each year by way of residentialheating and electrical power inefficiencies.Our profligate waste of natural gas,as well as our waste of oil used for heatingand to produce gasoline and dieselas transportation fuels, tells us thatany perceived crisis is more one ofour society’s behavior than a crisisof deficiencies of oil and natural gassupplies.The Meaning of ScarcityThere is no scarcity of oil and naturalgas resources in the world undercurrent uses and over the courseof the next several decades. However,inexpensive supplies of these fuels couldbecome scarce. Political cooperation insetting long term goals for meeting oil andnatural gas needs while reducing economicdemand for the wasteful use of these fuelsmay be addicted to oil, but many of itspoliticians are addicted to ‘energy independence’– which may be among theleast realistic political slogans in Americanhistory.” Scientists, academics and manyothers tend to agree with this assessment.Unfortunately, the slogan has becomea major driver of domestic and foreignpolicy through its persistently repeateduse in the news media. In fact, it is unlikelythe USA could become independent of oiland natural gas from global sources for thenext several decades, if ever.In order for the USA to become independentof imported oil and natural gas forthe next several decades, we would needto cut our consumption of these commoditiesby about 90 percent. This isextremely unlikely to happen except in thecase of vast technological breakthroughs.These advances would need to offer ratherimmediate substitutes for oil and naturalgas as primary energy sources for transportationfuels, power generation, and residentialheating. Cutting our consumptionof oil and natural gas by 90 percent wouldFor the future, the USA will get its oiland natural gas from the places wherethose resources exist in abundance.Theses places primarily are the Asianpart of the Eurasian continent andAfrica. Drilling North America for itstrivial reserves is an exercise in futilityand waste.Energy InterdependenceI encourage those I advise – particularlymembers of New Mexico’s congressionaldelegation and state government – toadopt “energy interdependence” as a definingphrase for our energy future. The USAtogether with countries around the worldwill be interdependent in terms of energyfor the foreseeable future. And it is not aone-way street. One of the USA’s greatestresources and one of its most profitableexports is its technology. The USAcan and should take global leadership intechnological solutions to the use of fossilfuels. We should export these solutionsaround the globe, thereby reducing thestresses on oil and natural gas reserves aswell as the stress on our planetary environmentcaused by extracting and usingthese fuels.Environmental Responsibility“Environmental responsibility” is a politicalthrow-away term that has had dubiousscientific meaning for the past quartercentury. The oil and natural gas indus-

New Mexico WILD!Page 11try consistently promises “environmentalresponsibility” in order to achieve its ends,no matter how egregious the environmentalinsult. Environmental concernsfall far down the priority checklist afterthe resource is extracted. To the industry,“environmental” matters are simply a costof doing business, and this cost must beminimized to enhance profitability.In its quest to drill the vast areas of ourAmerican West, the industry together withits government facilitator, the U.S. Bureauof Land Management (BLM), make numeroushyperbolic claims about its environmentalimpacts. For example, the industryand the BLM repeatedly contend that theyhave taken or will take an “environmentallysensitive” approach to oil and natural gasdevelopment. The BLM routinely makesthis claim for all the oil and natural gaslands it manages in the USA. The companiesmake similar claims for their oil andnatural gas operations as well.Unfortunately for the landscape, there isno oil and natural gas development thathas been or might ever be accomplishedwith environmental responsibility inmind. Throughout the Rocky Mountains,industry activities have run the gamutfrom standard and practical to sloppy toabusive to criminal. Access, developmentand bonding requirements for the industryare minimal throughout the region’spublic and private lands. The industryultimately pays less than 10 percent of theenvironmental cleanup costs, and the taxpayersof today and the future pay the rest.The industry and the BLM, despite theirclaims, operate with a decided lack ofbaseline environmental science. The scienceto evaluate environmental impactshas two major drawbacks to the BLM andto the industry: the science is expensive,and scientific analysis is time-consuming.Scientifically speaking, the bulk of claimsof “environmental responsibility” areanecdotal; that is, they are assertions madewithout scientific evidence.Coalbed MethaneIndustrialization and Its ImpactsCoalbed methane (CBM) natural gas fieldindustrialization covers millions of acresof public and private lands in the RockyMountains and nearby areas. These vastareas are called “natural gas factories” byindustry representatives. CBM industrializationrequires gas wells built onwell pads at spacing of every 160, 80, 40,20, and denser acreages. The 160-acrespacing is the nominal minimum densityfor the first phase of most CBM development.The industry seeks to maximize thenumber of well locations to tap the entiregas resource and improve the financialbottom line.Well pads range in size from about 2 to6 acres of land stripped of all vegetationand soil. They are serviced by a networkof hundreds of miles of access roads,gas and water pipelines, and electricallines. The finished complex of CBM fieldsincludes compressor stations that rangein size from buildings about the size of atwo-car garage to that of large warehouses.Well pads typically contain temporary andpermanent constructions such as drillrigs, pumpjacks, gas-water separators, andreserve ponds or pits. The pads containstorage tanks for water, fuel, and otherfluids associated with developing the well.They host containers of various sizes, andportable buildings such as trailers. Developingeach well typically requires 100 to200 or more vehicular round trips for allphases of well pad and well constructionand maintenance. Following well development,dewatering the well and producingCBM gas may continue for 10 to 20 yearsor more. The land, water, wildlife and ecosystemreclamation and restoration effortsThe oil and natural gas industrycannot promise energy solutionswhile developing energy thatultimately is wasted.following gas extraction – if implemented– would be expected to continue for morethan a century.The vast CBM industrial network isresponsible for unknown and unmeasuredair emissions of volatile organic and othercompounds. The CBM process is responsiblefor unknown levels of groundwatercontamination from hydraulic fracturingfluids of unspecified chemical compositions.Companies frequently willnot reveal their chemical formulas forhydraulic fracturing which injects water,sand and chemicals underground to breakdown coal beds and help release naturalgas for extraction. Many of the chemicalshave not been thoroughly tested, and fewor no human health standards have beenestablished for them.CBM natural gas industrialization hasnot been proven to be environmentallyresponsible. The vast work of creating naturalgas and oil factories across the landscapesimply is practical, transformationaland economically opportunistic. The oiland natural gas basins of the West arebeing transformed into a mix of industrialand natural designs. They may not returnnaturally or with human help to their preindustrializedstates for decades or millenniaor forever. Neither the industry,nor the BLM, nor the public will know theenvironmental consequences of the industrializationexperiment for decades.The scientific analyses of water,wildlife, vegetation, soil and aireither were never done or are proceedingconcurrent with the activity.The results – particularly the cumulativeeffects of drilling hundreds ofthousands of CBM wells – are yearsaway from scientific analyses andconfirmation.Energy SolutionsThe energy “crisis” is often couched interms of “need” for fossil fuel products.However, there is a substantial differencebetween fundamental need and economicdemand. The difference between need anddemand is largely waste combined with amodicum of luxury demands. It is in thiscombination where profits – and, moreimportantly, conservation opportunities –abound. Our greatest potential resourcesof oil and natural gas that are well withinour control in the USA lie in conservation.The oil and natural gas industry cannotpromise energy solutions while developingenergy that ultimately is wasted. The challengeto the industry – as it is to society asa whole – is to adopt an holistic approachto energy solutions. This means rapidlymoving away from oil and natural gasdevelopment into realms of sustainableenergy production. This means adoptingcarbon management as a primary focusof all current and future oil and naturalgas development. This means leadingeconomic and social change rather thanreacting selfishly and foolishly to economicdemand.I am encouraged by the huge number ofrecent and rapid developments in alternativesto oil and natural gas as primaryenergy fuels. Visionary and practicalthinking are being applied throughout ourglobal society to energy efficient buildings,vehicles, and power plants. Similarthinking is changing politics, policies andeconomics necessary to support a transitionto a sustainable energy future. It islong past the time for the oil and naturalgas industry to join modern thinkingabout seeking true energy solutions forour planet.William M. Brown is a retired federalearth scientist who lives in Ranchos deTaos, New Mexico. He tracks and interpretsenergy-related scientific, economic,and political issues for U.S. Senate &House members, national organizations,and New Mexico governments, chambersof commerce, businesses and non-profitorganizations, including the Coalition forthe Valle Vidal.

Page 12 WINTER 2006Moving the Auto into the 21st CenturyBy Tisha Broska andStephen CapraAmericans love their cars. However,while most of us rely onthem everyday, our vehicles area major source of carbon dioxideemissions that help cause globalwarming. The average car emits10,000 to 20,000 lbs of CO2each year. But our daily commuteis not our only impact.Fossil fuels are ingrained inour daily life in every way, andit will take a major shift in thinkingand planning to make a change inour energy use. In terms of protecting ourwildest landscapes, perhaps nothing woulddo more than reducing our use of fossilfuels. While cars and trucks continue todrink unlimited amounts of fuel, areas likeOtero Mesa and the Arctic National WildlifeRefuge continue to be in the sights of theoil and gas industry and President Bushcontinues to give them an open policy todrill at will.The fact is, each of us can take steps toreduce and offset the level of emissions weare contributing from our vehicles. Thereare many ways one can work to achievethis: share a ride, use public transportation,ride a bike, or consider buying a fuelefficientvehicle, a hybrid, or one that usesalternatives to fossil fuels. Beyond thesteps wetake as individuals, we needto see changes from businesses and thegovernment. You can ask that your electedrepresentatives improve fuel efficiencystandards and provide real tax credits foralternative energy technologies.According to the Rocky Mountain Institute,the journey away from oil is not costly, butrather profitable. It requires that the governmentsteer towards this new paradigm.In order to make the transition faster,cheaper and more stable, governmentpolicy must accelerate oil efficiency by:2007 VEHICLE FUEL ECONOMY RANKINGSRank Make and Model City HWY FuelType1 Toyota Prius Hybrid 60 51 G/E $7232 Honda Civic Hybrid 49 51 G/E $795AnnualFuel Cost3 Toyota Camry Hybrid 40 38 G/E $1,0184 Ford Escape Hybrid (FWD) 36 31 G/E $1,1695 Toyota Yaris (manual) 34 40 Gas $1,0736 Toyota Yaris (auto) 34 39 Gas $1,1057 Honda Fit (manual) 33 38 Gas $1,1378 Toyota Corolla (manual) 32 41 Gas $1,1059 Hyundai Accent (manual) 32 35 Gas $1,2049 Kia Rio (manual) 32 35 Gas $1,20410 Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD 32 29 G/E $1,28410 Mercury Mariner Hybrid 4WD 32 29 G/E $1,284·Shifting customer focus stronglytoward advanced technologyvehicles while expanding consumerchoice.·Funding the research and developmentof fuel-efficient vehicles,reducing cost of retooling andretraining.·Supporting private investmentin innovative domestic energysupply infrastructure.·Stopping tax breaks for the oiland gas industry.For the past six years, we have been saddledby the Cheney Energy Task Force, whichhas recommended “oil, oil and more oilproduction”. Conservation wasnot a high priority. Every day inthe US we burn more than 380million gallons of fuel going towork, taking our children toschool and buying groceries.With just 5% of the world’s population,we consume more than25% of its natural resources. Ifwe simply chose to drive morefuel-efficient vehicles we wouldsave more than 1.47 billiongallons of fuel each year. Thatmeans we would save parts ofNew Mexico from relentlessdrilling, or parts of Siberia,home to the Siberian Tiger fromreckless development.Other countries seem to betaking a more mature approachto conserving resources.Canada, Europe and Japan all have theadvantage of innovative regulations thatstimulate demand for new, more efficientcars. In Europe, carmakers have committedto getting 39 miles per gallon (mpg)by 2008 on all vehicles, and are consideringraising that to 46 mpg. In Japan, legislationrequires 23% fuel –efficiency gains from1995-2010, with levels reaching 44 mpgon their “Top Runner” program. Canada’sClimate Action Plan, with 2004 bipartisanendorsement, promises 25% mpg gains onall cars by 2010, despite the close integrationwith the US auto industry. The irony isthat the real loser is the US auto industry.Too busy complaining about fuel-efficiencystandards, it continues to lose market shareworldwide. While regulation may spurchange, it is clear nothing works better thanmarket-driven policies. They are flexible,they offer wide choice, and they removeideology from the proposals that havedeadlocked federal polices for more thana generation.One interesting idea proposed by the RockyMountain Institute is the concept of feebates.In such a scenario, a person buyinga new light vehicle that exceeded a definedfuel-efficiency benchmark, called a “pivotpoint”, would receive a rebate that wouldbe subtracted from the price of the vehicle.By contrast, buyers of vehicles with fueleconomies with lower pivot points wouldpay a corresponding surcharge. Thus, thosepaying a “tax” would pay for the “rebates”.Last year in his State of the Union address,President Bush admitted that the US is

New Mexico WILD!Page 13addicted to oil. He pledged to move forwardon a plan to get hydrogen vehicles on theroad, sometime in the future. So the presidentwas able to look green, while doingjust what the oil and gas industry wanted:to put off real changes until some unspecifiedtime in the future. That means drillingon our wildest public lands could continuewith abandon. Also, his speech servedto continue the deception that there areno real alternatives available today. Whatmany have come to understand is thathydrogen has a great future potential, albeitwith some hurdles to overcome. The presidentand others are using a classic bait andswitch, speaking about hydrogen, whileignoring the technology today that couldreally save fuel, lives and the environment.The US automakers have a long history offighting change. It began with the seatbelt,continued with the air bag and today livesin fighting new cleaner technologies, manyof which might actually keep them in business.The combination of electric cars andplug-in hybrids will make a tremendouschange in the consumption of fossil fuelsin America and the world. The technologyis here today and should be pushed by theautomakers and backed with real incentivesby Congress and the White House.Electric and Hybrid VehiclesMore than 100 years ago there were moreelectric cars on the road than gas-powered.But because of cheap and abundant oil atthe time, gas-powered cars won out. Theresult has been far reaching. Decades ofunregulated emissions made cities like LosAngeles have some of the worst air on theplanet. In the late 1980’s the California AirResources Board mandated that a certainpercentage of cars sold in California havezero emissions. In order to continue sellingcars in California, General Motors (GM)spent more than a billion dollars developingthe EV1, an electric car. The car hit thestreets in the early 90’s to great fanfare. Itcould go about 75 miles between charges.GM curiously chose not to use the bestbattery technology, which initially causedproblems for many and hurt potentialleases. Yes leases, because GM refusedto sell the EV1, choosing only to lease it.Those who leased the car quickly found outwhat a great and quiet vehicle it was.The popularity of the vehicle caught theattention of the oil and gasindustry. Theybegan acampaign of op-eds and media reportssaying the car was a failure. Chevroneven purchased the patent on the moreadvanced battery technology. For theoil companies, the mentality seemed tobe fight rather than adapt. With morethan $100 trillion to be made from theworld oil supply, electric vehicles couldput a real dent in that profit. WhenPresident Bush came to the White House,he seemed more than happy to help theautomakers and big oil kill the electriccar. GM stopped leasing the EV1 andrecalled the vehicles, despite the fact thatmany of the owners wanted to keep theircars, especially because battery technologyhad now improved so much that carscould go more than 300 miles betweencharges. Public protests ensued, but GMthreatened to have anyone charged withtheft if they did not turn in their EV1.While we kill the electric car, we encouragethe sales of vehicles like the Hummer.On a federal level, small businesses continueto be able to get up to a $100,000tax break on vehicles weighing more than6,000 pounds, while individuals who owna hybrid get only $4000. In America todaywe should be demanding the return of theelectric car. Most Americans drive no morethan 29 miles per day. Yet, we could have anelectric car that gets more than 300 milesbetween charges, does not need oil changes,spark plugs and all the maintenance thatinternal combustion engines require. Wecould also add solar panels to the vehiclesand perhaps gain even more range.Today, Tesla Motors has introduced a highperformance electric sports car. The TeslaRoadster can go 0-60 in 4 seconds, has atop speed of 130 miles per hour and cango more than 250 miles between charges.Right now it costs a fortune, but it has soldout production each year. The point is thecosts will drop as production increases andpeople will come to see that going electricdoes not mean losing performance. Thinkabout how much oil drilling could beavoided on our wildest lands and waters bytaking the step toward electric vehicles.While the oil and gas industry would likeus to think that real alternatives are still ageneration or more away, the hybrid is heretoday. Hybrid electric vehicles combinean internal combustion engine with a batteryand electric motor tomaximize fueleconomyand produce fewer emissions. One stepcloser are the plug-in hybrids. These arevehicles that have additional batteries thatcan be recharged by plugging them intoelectrical outlets. Depending on the design,a standard 120-volt household outlet or ahigher power 220-volt line can be used tocharge the vehicle. Though not commerciallyavailable yet, many hybrid ownersare going the next step, using plug-in kitsto modify their cars and gaining amazingmileage results. While some of the currenthybrid models are getting close to 55-60miles per gallon in the city, plug-in hybridsare pushing the limits to more like 150mpg. Plug-in hybrids will help to bridgethe gap between fuel efficiency now and thehydrogen cars that President Bush speaksabout sometime in the future.Alternative FuelsAlternative fuels such as biodiesel, ethanol,hydrogen, methanol, natural gas and propaneare all cleaner alternatives to gasolinethat reduce our dependence on foreign oil,and minimize air pollution. These fuelsmay be used in small passenger cars tolarge 18-wheeler trucks or transit buses.Biodiesel is a domestically produced,renewable fuel that can be manufacturedfrom new or used vegetable oils, animalfats, or recycled restaurant greases. Usingeither blended or pure biodiesel in a dieselengine will reduce emission of unburnedhydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, sulfates,and particulate matter. Since the ingredientsfor biodiesel can be domesticallyproduced, it reduces the nation’s dependenceof foreign oil. At this time biodieselis mainly used by fleet operators such asthe U.S. Postal Service, school districts,utility companies, garbage and recyclingcompanies, agricultural vehicles andconstruction equipment.Currently ethanol is the most widelyused alternative fuel. Ethanol is analcohol-based alternative fuel producedby fermenting and distilling starch crops(such as corn, barley and wheat) that havebeen converted into simple sugars. Ethanolis most commonly used to increase octaneand improve the emissions quality ofgasoline. Because ethanol is derived fromfeedstock that is grown, it is considered arenewable fuel. In addition, since the feedstockfor ethanol can be domestically produced,it again reduces the nation’s dependenceon foreign oil. Vehicles operating onfuel containing at least 85 percent ethanolhave 25 percent less combined carbonmonoxide and nitrogen oxide (ozone-forming)emissions than their gasoline fueledcounterpart.However, issues remain with this form ofenergy. For example, next year the nation’sFarm Bill will come up for renewal. At present,millions of areas of farmland havebeen set aside in the Conservation ReserveProgram. This program was designed toreduce soil erosion, protect the nation’s abilityto produce food and fiber, reduces sedimentationin streams and lakes, improvewater quality, establish wildlife habitat, andenhance forest and wetland resources. Itencourages farmers to convert highly erodiblecropland or other environmentally sensitiveacreage to vegetative cover, such astame or native grasses, wildlife plantings,trees, filter strips, or riparian buffers. Farmersreceive an annual rental payment for theterm of the multi-year contract. But withcongress pushing for more ethanol production,many farmers are looking to expandtheir crops and remove the CRP from theirfarm. This could have major impacts onwildlife, grasslands, and the environmentparticularlyin the mid-west- as farmersplant soybeans and corn for ethanol andramp up the use of irrigation water.Methanol, methane, and propane are alsoalternative fuel choices to gasoline. Thesefuels can provide for lower vehicle emissionsand they can be produced as a byproductfrom natural gas and crude oilproduction. Sources of these alternativefuels are available domestically and couldbe developed from sustainable sources insee 21st Century Cars on P22

Page 14 WINTER 2006this environmentalist was notMADE IN NEW YORK CITYBy Chad HoeppnerI grew up in the Intermountain West.Although I am from Denver, I most readilyand quickly identify myself as a Coloradoan,which is to say I consider myhome the Rocky Mountains. It was thereforequite a shock seven years ago to getbumped unceremoniously off of a bus inPenn Station and greet my new home: NewYork City. For though my heart will alwaysbe in the Rockies, my chosen profession(acting) and therefore my hope of a livelihoodis in New York City.People who knew me well thought I wascrazy, mainly because I’m an environmentalistand NYC strikes most people as anutter wasteland for those of us who lovenature. Or that’s what I thought anyway.In reality, New York City is much “greener”than many people think.First, some background: Far from beinga backwater for environmentalism, NYCis in many ways the cradle of the modernAmerican environmental movement. Itwas here that the foundation of modernenvironmental law was laid. New Yorkers’victorious struggle to prevent the ConsolidatedEdison Company from turningStorm King Mountain into a profit-generatinghydraulic power plant created theprecedent with which scores of successiveenvironmental legal victories have followed.The National Environmental ProtectionAct, the Clean Water and Clean AirAct, and the Endangered Species Act wereall built on the groundbreaking legal workthat was first applied successfully in NYC.Learning that made me feel better aboutNew York, but what about living here? Itdoes give one some pride and perspectiveperhaps, but some days I’d trade that forjust a couple more trees and a patch of soil.But NYC’s present and future also holdgreat environmental promise. In spite ofits reputation as a concrete jungle – orperhaps because of it – New York is actuallythe greenest community in America.By all significant measures, New Yorkersuse far less energy and resources than theircounterparts in other American cities. Astaggering 82% of New Yorkers use publictransport, bike, or walk to work. Livingin such a densely populated place – mostNew Yorkers live in apartment buildings– greatly improves the efficiency of bothheating and cooling buildings. And theactual geographic footprint of New Yorkersis far smaller than people who live inAmerica’s sprawling interior cities.New York is also beginning to transformnotions of sustainability and green technology.We are in the midst of a boomin “green” building. In 2000, New Yorkbecame the first state to offer tax incentivesto commercial and residential builders forgreen building practices. In 2004 the EPAand New York City inaugurated an annualgreen building competition. Several ofthe world’s greenest buildings – includingthe new Hearst Tower and 7 World TradeCenter, which incorporate innovative technologieslike roofs that collect and recyclerainwater and ventilation systems that useoutdoor air temperature to heat or cool thebuildings’ interior – are in New York. TheCenter for Sustainable Development at theBronx Community College is partneringwith the Department of Energy and hascommitted to installing solar energy systemson 500 metropolitan NY rooftops.And perhaps most surprising in a citythat can seem utterly separate from theearth, geothermal energy systems are evencatching on in all corners of the city, fromQueens to the Upper East Side to BatteryPark City.There is one key factor to all this that hastraditionally been missing from wellmeaningplans to save the planet: thisboom is happening because of the freemarket not in spite of it. The environmentalmovement has traditionally beenextremely wary of the business world– and with good reason. But this paradigmis ripe for a radical shift. We can nolonger afford to look to the governmentfor guidance and regulation. Even if theBush Administration were committed toaddressing our environmental problemsquickly and decisively (feel free to havea good laugh at that one), governmentmandatedchange via regulation tends tomove at a glacial pace. The free market,on the other hand, can make radical,innovation-driven changes almost on adime. Consider the ubiquitous gadgets ofour time: the ipod and the cellphone. Tenyears ago those markets didn’t even exist.Now they drive whole industries. Greenbuilding and energy sustainability couldsee similar transformation if we can utilizethe free market intelligently. To give justone example, building a geothermal energysystem in New York – which can includedrilling 1500 feet into the bedrock of ManhattanIsland – is expensive. But whenmeasured against the fuel, electricity, andmaintenance costs of heating and coolinga Manhattan property over the lifetime ofthe building, geothermal energy is not justgreen but also frugal. And that calculuswill only improve if energy costs increasein the future. In fact many business leadersand companies are getting on the sustainabilitybandwagon, embracing notionsof corporate sustainability and the TripleBottom Line (financial, environmental,and social). New York, the financial capitalof America for the last 400 years, is theperfect place to begin embracing this newparadigm.So has learning all this converted me into aNew Yorker? Curiously, no. My reaction infact has been almost the opposite: “Great;one more thing New Yorkers can use toboast about why New York is the greatestcity in the world.” I guess I’m still a Westernerat heart. But the point, I imagine,is not to get caught up in disagreementsabout where is the best place, but rather touse all of the best things from each place tolessen our ecological impact everywhere.We will need lessons from all places – Coloradoand New York City, megalopolisesand sprawling suburbs – if we are to beginto make our society sustainable._____________________Chad Hoeppner is an actor and an environmentalistwho lives in New York City.He is currently appearing on Broadway inButley with Nathan Lane. Chad, who grewup in Denver, Colorado, first learned aboutthe New Mexico Wilderness Alliance whenhe visited Albuquerque with a touring productionof The Three Musketeers.

New Mexico WILD!Page 15Uncle Sam won’t take theinitiative, so cities across Americaare going green on their ownBostonOn December 19, 2006, Boston’s MayorThomas M. Menino announced a proposedgreen building zoning provision.Boston will become the first major cityin the nation to require adherence to theUS Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadershipin Energy and EnvironmentalDesign) Certified standard as part of theprivate development review process. Thenew Green Building zoning provision willrequire that projects over 50,000 squarefeet meet a basic level of LEED certification,which requires new construction toearn at least 26 points to meet the standard.New YorkIn New York, Mayor Bloomberg recentlyunveiled a 25-year plan for upgrading NewYork to a “sustainable city.” To achieve thishe has created a Sustainability AdvisoryBoard made up of scientists, academics,city planners and environmentalists.The goals include affordable housing, thepledge that every New Yorker will livewithin a ten-minute walk of a public parkand an overhaul of public transportation,including a major expansion of subwayroutes. Mr. Bloomberg is pledging to makeNew York’s air the cleanest of any majorcity in America and to reduce emissionsthat contribute to global warming by 30%by 2030. He is also pledging to open 90%of surrounding rivers, bays and harborsfor recreation by reducing water pollutionand preserving natural spaces. He will alsopush for upgrading the city’s power supplythrough green sources and adding congestioncharges for vehicles in lower Manhattan.A former landfill in New York will soonopen as the biggest new park in a centuryand the city is committed to green buildingsand LEED certification for constructionof new office spaces.San FranciscoOn November 6, 2001, San Francisco votersoverwhelmingly approved a landmark$100 million bond initiative that pays forsolar panels, energy efficiency and windturbines for public facilities. The measurepays for itself entirely from energy savingsat no cost to taxpayers. With this model,San Francisco pioneered a path for fundingthe nation’s transition to renewable energy.The mechanics are simple. The bond paysfor solar panels, wind turbines and energyefficiency measures for public buildings.The money that would have gone to buyelectricity from power plants instead goesto pay down the bond.The campaign for the solar revenue bondhappened because San Francisco residents,like many other Californians, were plaguedby blackouts, skyrocketing prices and dirtyneighborhood power plants. Large-scalesolar power represents an important wayfor people to take greater control over theirfuture by making their own affordable,reliable, and clean energy.Albuquerque’s Mayor recently tried to geta trolley system initiative passed throughthe City Council, but an uninformed publicbalked at the idea. Because of its delayedimplementation, Albuquerque’s inevitabletransit system will likely cost taxpayershundreds of $millions more.The NewWilderness AllianceOffice is GreenThe New Mexico Wilderness Alliancehas a new home office in Albuquerque.Actually, its not just a new office, butan eco-office that uses green buildingmaterials and sustainable resources.The building is designed and ownedby Environmental Dynamics, Inc.(EDI). Since its inception in 1998, EDIhas designed many alluring and environmentallyresponsive buildings andhomes. The new eco-office functions asan adaptive and organic entity, respondingto climate and community, reflectingthe intentions and values of thepeople and businesses it houses. Whenit is complete, it will serve as a model ofhow socially and financially sustainabledevelopment opportunities can help toregenerate our environment.The New Mexico Wilderness Allianceis fortunate to have come togetherwith EDI to share the building spaceand make the project a reality. We bothare committed to the ideals of greendevelopment and efforts to lower theimpact that humans have on our environment.EDI will use the eco-office asa learning tool to raise public awarenessabout Green Building Practices, LEEDCertification and Urban & CommunityRevitalization.The building location is centrallylocated within the city on the sameblock as a bus stop for local and expressbus transit. The building has secureparking for bicycles and a shower roomfor bicycle and pedestrian commuters.Several of the eighteen on-site parkingspaces will be dedicated to carpooland fuel-efficient vehicles. In addition,future tenants of the office complex willhave access to a shared fuel-efficient/hybrid vehicle for daily errands.EDI is in the process of transformingthe existing unremarkable buildinginto an attractive and desirable propertythrough the use of bioclimaticand sustainable design strategies.Existing asphalt and concrete pavingwill be replaced with native plantingsand xeriscape; trees will provide visualinterest and shade. The building facadewill be clad with architectural insulatedmetal and solar hydronic panelsto increase the insulation value of thebuilding envelope, generate electricityand modernize the aesthetic. Interiorfinishes will be selectively replaced withenvironmentally responsible materialsthat support the health of the buildingoccupants. Skylights will provide naturallight and ventilation to the buildinginterior, as well as reduce cooling loads.A lushly planted central courtyard, opento the sky above, will provide a place ofrespite and social interaction for staffand visitors, bring daylight into theoffices and introduce fresh air into thebuilding.Water sources in the Southwest areprecious, so our water use will be conservative.Rainwater captured from theroof will be harvested for reuse withinthe building for cooling needs. All newfixtures are low or no flow and includegray water reuse devises. Existing flowfixtures will be upgraded with aeratorsthat minimize usage or upgradedwith low-flow flush valves, gray waterreuse tanks at each sink and other watersaving devices.Fossil fuel consumption will be minimizedby optimizing building insulation,interior mass and incorporatingpassive solar design principals. Theelectricity purchased comes from greenpower sources, and additional futureenergy needs will be met with photovoltaicpanels and other active technologies.Recycling is prominently featuredand facilitated within the building andbuilding maintenance is conducted by agreen cleaning program that uses nontoxicproducts and procedures.The New Mexico Wilderness Allianceand EDI believe in sustainability as away of life and are committed to operatingthe offices with environmentallyresponsible practices. The green-livingof the future is here! Please join us.

Page 16 WINTER 2006For information on upcoming hikes, please visit our website:www.nmwild.orgService ProjectsFebruary 24, 2007—Rio Grande Bosque Restoration Service ProjectWe’ll kick off the 2007 Service Project season in thecottonwood forests lining the Rio Grande, known asthe bosque. This will be a Saturday only project.Planting and removal of invasive species at a stretchnear Paseo del Norte will likely be the project.Maximum participants: 35Contact: Gene Tatum at 505-255-1960,gtatum3@msn.com for more info.Driving distance: In the north part of ABQMarch 10, 2007—Las Huertas Creek Service ProjectHosted by Forest Guardians, this will be a Saturdayonly project. Las Huertas Creek drains alarge portion of the northern Sandia Mountainsbefore joining the Rio Grande near Algodones.Few people know of the significant riparian valuesfound in Las Huertas Creek. Come see them foryourself while participating in on-going efforts forits protection and restoration. Work will be donefrom 10am to 2pm.Maximum participants: 35Contact: Carol Norton at 505-988-9126, ext. 150,cnorton@fguardians.org for more info.Driving distance: 20 miles north of ABQMarch 17, 18, 2007—Cedro Creek Service ProjectThis one is hosted by Albuquerque Wildlife Federation.Cedro Creek is one of the major drainagesto Tijeras Creek before it heads down thecanyon that separates the Sandia Mountains fromthe Manzanos. AWF has been doing restorationin Cedro Creek for a few years now. Work will bedone on both Saturday and Sunday. Area campingis available or you can drive up and meet uson one day or both.Maximum participants: 35Contact: Gene Tatum at 505-255-1960,gtatum3@msn.com for more info.Driving distance: 20 miles east of ABQApril 6, 7, 8 2007—Limestone Canyon/San Mateo Mtns Svc ProjectThe San Mateo Mountains are a remote range incentral New Mexico with two areas already designatedWilderness and most of the range suitable formore designation. We will work on a stream restorationproject in Limestone Canyon on the northwestportion of the range, near the Plains San Augustin.Maximum participants: 35Contact: Michael Scialdone at 505-843-8696,scial@nmwild.org for more info.Driving distance: 2.5 hours from ABQ, 3 hoursfrom Las CrucesApril 14, 15, 16, 2007—Southern NM Service ProjectTres Alianzas! This will be a joint Service Projectwith Sky Island Alliance and the Upper GilaWatershed Alliance in the Silver City / Lordsburgregion. Last year we did stream restoration andexpanded the fence around a spring that wasrecovering so well it was spilling out of its previousexclosure. This year’s project should be similar.Details are still being worked on.Maximum participants: 35Contact: Michael Scialdone at 505-843-8696,scial@nmwild.org for more info.Driving distance: 6 hours from ABQ, 2.5 hoursfrom Las CrucesApril 14, 15, 16, 2007—Rio de las Vacas Service ProjectThis one is hosted by Albuquerque Wildlife Federation.With its headwaters in the San PedroParks Wilderness up near Cuba, Rio de las Vacasis an important tributary in the Jemez River watershed.Stream restoration will be the focus of thisweekend outing.Maximum participants: 35Contact: Gene Tatum at 505-255-1960,gtatum3@msn.com for more info.Driving distance: 20 miles east of ABQ,April 20, 21, 2007—Rio Puerco Service ProjectHosted by Forest Guardians, this will be an excellentchance to see the progress of a project thathas been going on for a few years now. Thestretch of Rio Puerco being worked on is about 8miles south of Cuba. Most folks will arrive to helpon Saturday, but there will be work to be doneon Friday or you can at least join for camping onFriday night if you can’t make the whole day. Wewill be planting native trees like cottonwood andwillow.Maximum participants: 75Contact: Carol Norton at 505-988-9126, ext. 150,cnorton@fguardians.org for more info.Driving distance: 70 miles north of ABQHikes and outings – ABQ officeFebruary 10, 2007—Ojito Wilderness Day HikeWe will hike to what is called the hoodoos trail inthe recently designated Ojito Wilderness. Rainbowbanded mesas guard natural sculpture gardensfilled with amusing hoodoos of all sizes andshapes. Twisted old junipers and dwarf ponderosaadd a touch of green to the fantastic, multi-coloredrock forms. Elk often are found here inthe winter months. The start of our hike will bethrough work we did on a service project in 2006.Come see for yourself why we worked so hard toget this area protected.Maximum participants: 20Contact: Nathan Newcomer at 505-843-8696,nathan@nmwild.org for more info.Hiking distance: Approximately 4 miles round-tripTime: 2-3 hours round-trip plus driving timeElevation range: 6,000 to 6,261 feetDifficulty: EasyMarch 3, 2007—Ojito Wilderness—Full Moon HikeWe will arrive at sunset and enjoy a full moonstroll into the new Ojito Wilderness. Our destinationwill be a panel of ancient petroglyhs andthe excavation site of the world’s largest dinosaur:Seismosauras.Maximum participants: 20Contact: Nathan Newcomer at 505-843-8696,nathan@nmwild.org for more info.Hiking distance: Approximately 3 miles round-tripTime: 2-3 hours round-trip plus driving timeElevation range: 5,800 to 6,000 feetDifficulty: EasyMarch 31st, 2006-Jemez Hot SpringsJoin us for this rewarding dayhike into theJemez Mountains with the large San AntonioHot Springs waiting for us at the end. These hotsprings are one of the nicest in the Jemez Mountainsand unlike most other hot springs in thearea, these tend not to be crowded. The trail willtake us along a dirt road that transverses throughponderosa pine and the Jemez River. We will possiblyhave to snowshoe into the area, dependingon how much snow is left.Maximum participants: 8Contact Hike Leader, Nathan Newcomer at 505-843-8696 or nathan@nmwild.org toreserve your spot.Distance: Approximately 10 miles round-tripTime: 2-3 hours round-trip plus driving timeElevation: Range: 5,800 to 6,000 feetDifficulty: Moderate to DifficultApril 20, 21, 22, 2007—Otero Mesa OutingCome join us in Otero Mesa and watch the desertcome to life! If the spring rains hit, then this isthe best time to be out there. We’ll explore thearea while talking about our continuing effortsto secure permanent protection for the last beststretch of Chihuahuan Desert Grasslands.Be prepared for windy whether and lots of sun asOtero Mesa is now entering Spring, but also beprepared for calm brisk days with the possibilityof a few rain showers. Bring plenty of water, sunscreenand a camera to capture the moments ofpronghorn herds, prairie dog towns, petroglyphs,desert blooms, and beautiful sunrises and sunsets.During the evenings there will be a social campfire.Bring instruments if you’ve got them. Let’sget together and have some fun in the desert!Maximum participants: 50Contact: Nathan Newcomer at 505-843-8696,nathan@nmwild.org for more info.Driving time: 6 hours from ABQ, 2.5 hours fromLas CrucesHikes and outings – Las Cruces officeFebruary 10, 2007—Mt. Riley / West Potrillos Day HikeMt. Riley is the highest of the 3 mountains visibleto the south/southwest of Las Cruces. We willhike to its top, possibly as a loop that includesone of the other peaks. Mt. Riley itself is a difficulthike because it is steep, rocky, and full ofplants that can painfully poke you. There is plentyof friendlier terrain surrounding Mt. Riley, so ifyou’d rather have an easy stroll through a beautifuldesert, there’s something for you as well.Maximum participants: 20Contact: Nathan Small at 505-527-9962,nathansmall@nmwild.org for more info.Hiking distance: Approximately 5 miles round-tripTime: 3-4 hours round-trip plus driving timeElevation range: 4,700 to 5,905 feetDifficulty: Difficult and easyFebruary 17, 2007—Broad Canyon Day HikeNMWA is pushing hard to get this area designatedWilderness as part of an effort stretchingacross Doña Ana County. Wilderness designationwill be the best way to protect the culturalresources, wildlife, riparian vegetation, and sceneryof this magnificent canyon. Come see it foryourself and learn more about our efforts.Maximum participants: 15Contact: Nathan Small at 505-527-9962,nathansmall@nmwild.org for more info.Hiking distance: Approximately 4.5 miles roundtripTime: 2 - 3 hours round-trip plus driving timeElevation: 4,300 feetDifficulty: EasyMarch 17, 2007—Pine Tree Trail in the Organ Mountains Day HikeA green hike for St. Paddy’s Day. Ponderosapines and springs feeding small pools are partof this hike leaving from Aguirre Springs campground.This is a great place for wild flowers ifthe spring rains hit. NOTE: Aguirre Springs has a$3 day use fee.Maximum participants: 15Contact: Nathan Small at 505-527-9962,nathansmall@nmwild.org for more info.Hiking distance: Approximately 4.5 miles roundtripTime: 3 hours round-trip plus driving timeElevation: 5,800 to 6,800 feetDifficulty: ModerateApril 20, 21, 22, 2007—Otero Mesa OutingSee ABQ hikes section above for details.

New Mexico WILD!Page 17The Oil Industry GiveawayBy Stephen CapraLos Angeles Oil Field, CA 1910After more than a year delay theDepartment of Interior released astudy, which suggests that the UnitedStates offers some of the most lucrativeincentives in the world to companiesthat drill for oil and gas inpublicly owned coastal waters. Thestudy shows that current inducementscould allow companies in the Gulf ofMexico to escape tens of billions ofdollars in royalties that are otherwisepaid to the government for oil and gasproduction on American taxpayer’sproperty. It also suggests that the costof the additional oil could be as muchas $80 per barrel, far more than thegovernment would pay if it simplybought the oil on its own. Industryanalysts who compared oil policiesaround the world echoed that the USwas far more generous to oil companiesthan most other countries andreceives a smaller share of revenuefor our public lands and waters. Inthe US, the federal governments take,for royalties as well as corporate taxes,is about 40%. By contrast, in mostother countries the number is closerto 65%. As Representative Rahall, thenew Chairman of the House NaturalResources Committee, put it “Royaltyrelief is the gift that keeps on giving”.Democratic leaders have vowed to cutback on royalty giveaways.Green Scamming and BritishPetroleumWhen is an oil company really afriend to the environment? Well tolisten to BP over the past few yearsone would begin to think this oilcompany is evolving into a real energycompany, meaning they are opento change. In May of 1997, LordBrowne, BP’s chief executive gave aspeech at Stanford University wherehe stated global warming was a realproblem. Fairly earth shattering stufffor an oil executive. In 1998, afteracquiring Amoco for $57 billion theydecided it was a perfect time to startmoving BP beyond petroleum. LordBrowne began to frame himself as areal environmentalist. BP has actuallysignificantly lowered its greenhouse-gasemissions, owns a solarenergy company and has committed$8 billion over 10 years for alternativeenergy development.But BP is still an oil company. Beforethe end of the year BP was front andcenter with the discovery of a dangerousamount of corrosion on a16-mile feeder pipeline along theAlaska pipeline. Production wasdramatically decreased and oilprices shot up. Five months earlierBP had spilled 300,000 gallonsof oil on the North Slope asa result of not maintaining theirportion of the pipeline overmany years. Six moths beforethat spill a BP refinery in Texasexploded killing 15 workers and aone billion dollar BP off shore platformtipped dangerously followingHurricane Dennis.The past year has shown the differencebetween real, honest effort and publicrelations. The company recentlyspent $4 billion building a huge gaspipeline across an environmentallyfragile portion of the Caspian Sea tothe Mediterranean. They hired theWorld Wildlife Fund to consult onthe project. Then ignored any advicethey had to offer. In 2002, Greenpeaceawarded Lord Browne an “Oscar” forBest Impression of an Environmentalist.In 2005, the company had profitsof over $20 billion Many in the oilindustry say that BP has a long historyof corner cutting when it comesto the environment. BP’s failure toinspect the pipelines in Alaska wasnothing short of negligence. In eachcase, BP was quick to apologize forthe oil spills, deaths, and shaky offshorerigs. Fancy commercials givethe impression that this company istrying to make a difference. Whilesome of the efforts are commendable,they appear more designed to give thecompany cover as they move to openareas like the Arctic to more drilling,continue drill- ing in sensitiveenvironmental areas and green washelected officials.Exxon Valdez Ruling-Big Win for Big OilA federal appeals court decided tothrow out a $5 billion punitivedamageruling against Exxon stemmingfrom the Exxon Valdez Disaster.The Court ruled the amount “excessive”.For many in the area, the rulingwas shocking. Since the spill, herringare no longer in the area, and onlya few salmon have begun to return.Fishing permits in the area prior tothe spill were valued at more than$210,000, today the permit wouldsell for about $50,000 if anyone wasbuying. Exxon had refused to pay the$5 billion since 1994. The spill thatoccurred in 1989 spilled more than 11million gallons of crude oil into thepristine Prince William Sound areaof southern Alaska. Exxon has arguedfor sometime that they have alreadypaid enough to settle the situation.“Winter Values”TAOS PAINTINGRETREATFriday, Saturday & Sunday, January 26, 27, 28With Painter ~ Michelle ChrismanRefresh your painting skills at this special winter painting retreat-on the20 acre grounds of the beautiful Riversong Ranch Bed & Breakfast...Call Now to Reserve Your Spot! Space is limited and fills up fast!Michelle Chrisman 505-613-0443‘Holy Water and Whiskey’is a local Albuquerque group that plays traditional, folk, bluegrass, gospel,cowboy, and some select “whiskey” tunes. Maggie Washburne plays bass,Scott Altenbach guitar, and BruceWashburne guitar and banjo.For booking or other information,call 505-265-3218, or E-mailBdwashburn@aol.com. You canalso visit their web site at :holywaterandwhiskey.comCDs now available through NewMexico Wilderness Alliance for$15 plus Shipping. A portion ofeach sale to benefit NMWA. ContactTrisha London to purchaseyour copy today at 505/843-8696.

Page 18 WINTER 2006Running with the WindBy Stephen CapraIn making alternative energy a realityin New Mexico and across theWest, one source of power that reallyis making a difference today, is thepower of wind. Wind has been usedfor centuries to pump water, grindgrain and to propel ships across vastoceans. Wind is produced by thesun’s heating of the Earth’s atmosphere,meaning it is truly a renewableresource that will never be depleted. Itdoes not require large scale mining,produce toxic by-products or leave aterrible smell in the air for neighboringcommunities. However, for somein the conservation community windis a mixed blessing. While the energysource is important and non-polluting,in its early days it caused someserious problems for raptors, batsand migrating songbirds. It seemsthat new locations, new turbines andcloser attention to bird migrationshave helped to lower such incidentsand many are coming to accept thatno matter the energy source there aresome consequences for wildlife andthe environment.Since Governor Richardson took thereigns in Santa Fe, wind power hasbeen a key ingredient in reducing thestate’s green house gas emissions by20% by 2020. PNM and other powercompanies, tired of huge cost overrunsof nuclear power and the controversycaused by coal-fired powerplants, have embraced wind as anew source of power. They have alsocome to understand that consumersare willing to pay more for cleanersources of energy.According to the Coalition for CleanAffordable Energy, the amount ofdevelopable wind power resourcesin the US that could occur withoutimpacting birds, noise or visibility, isestimated between two to ten timesthe amount of electricity consumedby the United States. New Mexicoalone could provide more than 435billion kilowatt hours per year ofelectricity from wind. While NorthDakota is considered the “SaudiArabia of wind”, with an almostunlimited resource, New Mexico is12th in the nation for wind potential.California and Texas are leading thewind revolution, but New Mexico andother states are moving aggressivelyto close the gap. Just recently, planswere unveiled for a new five megawattwind farm to be constructed by ArizonaPublic Service Co. lands in thefour corners substation.Nevertheless, perhaps the most dramaticwind development in our stateto date is the New Mexico WindEnergy Center near House, NM.136 windmills stand on the edgeof a mesa, pointing to the future ofenergy development in our state.Opened in the summer of 2003, theEnergy Center produces more than206 megawatts of power for PNM andis one of the largest in the country. Italso now produces more than 4% ofthe power generated by PNM, and upto 10% in more windy times.There remain problems for windbesides conservationist concerns.The power is not consistent. Often inplaces like West Texas, the winds arethe strongest at night and in winter,while the peak demand for energycomes in summer, during the day..To some the wind turbines, often astall as the Statue of Liberty are aneyesore. Locatingthem in a NationalPark or wildernesswould clearlynot be acceptable.To thosewho love birdsor unobstructedlandscapes, concernscontinue tolinger. Clearly, inthe future suchfights will continueto occur. Inthe past couple ofyears, such a fighthas occurred inthe Cape Cod areaof Massachusetts.Local residents didnot want a series ofwind farms locatedjust off the coast,fearing it wouldmare their view ofthe ocean, generate noise and impactcoastal birds. Those in the right-wingmedia used this as an example of theelitist’s attitude of so-called environmentalistswho are content with alternativesso long as they are not in theirback yard. The reality was more aboutwealthy landowners, private property,and concerns about a new form ofenergy. The fight in Cape Cod continuesand points out that even withalternatives there will be fights aboutenergy development, location and theneed to educate the public.In the past five years, the surge innatural gas power plant constructionhas contributed to rising natural gasprices. High gas prices have forcedsome companies to relocate overseas.A study by the Union of ConcernedScientists (UOCS)has shown that anational standard of 20% for renewableenergy in America by 2020 wouldmean that New Mexico alone wouldbe producing more than 3,600 megawattsof renewable energy. Frankly,we may well get even higher if manyof the governor’s plans are put intoaction. Wind and geothermal alonein New Mexico could provide powerto more than 2.4 million homes andprovide 48% of the electricity sales inthe state. Perhaps more exciting is thatrenewable energy development willcreate new high paying jobs. Renewableenergy is poised to create 2.7times more jobs than fossil fuels anda net increase of 3000 jobs by 2020.It could also generate an additional$90 million in income and $100 millionin gross state product for NewMexico’s economy. It would also be aneconomic engine for rural communitieswhere most of the wind projectswould likely occur.The cost of wind power is cheap andonly getting cheaper. There is no airor water pollution associated with itsdevelopment, thus making wind a farcleaner source of energy developmentthan oil, gas, coal or nuclear power.Wind and other renewables will makeAmerica’s energy supply more reliableand secure. It also will work tolessen our dependency on foreignand domestic oil. Meaning we cansave lives and wild landscapes. Therenewable energy standard of 2020will also likely result in lower energycosts for consumers. Increased competitionby alternatives will lower theprices of natural gas and eventuallymake it obsolete. By 2020 accordingto UOCS, consumer savings in NewMexico from lower energy pricescould approach $570 million.Wind is but another alternativemoving us forward today and awayfor oil and gas and other fossil fuelsthat continue to destroy the planetin so many ways. It may not be aperfect solution, but for many thesight of giant turbines is a picture ofclean energy here today, harnessingthe wind and moving us forward toenergy sanity, one gust at a time.Alternative Energy Today-it’s the key to protecting ourwildest public lands for tomorrow

New Mexico WILD!Page 19Battling Military Fuel WasteBy Stephen CapraIn World War II, America suppliedfuel to the world to fight our countriesmost difficult battle. US oil ultimatelydefeated the Germans. One consequenceof that battle was the depletionof our domestic supply of oil andgas. As our country’s military nowfight in the Middle East, we decidedto look at the sobering reality of howmuch oil such fighting and militarypreparedness requires. It is in no waypresented as a negative judgment onour brave troops.It is simplyanother realityof the fullcost of defendingoil sources onforeign soils. However,it also points to the factthat the military itself couldinstitute policies to conserveoil.These facts come from theRocky Mountain Institute,which works with the militarydoing technical workon the Defense ScienceBoard Task Force.·The US Military is ournation’s largest energyuser.·They are likely theworld’s largest oil buyer.·In the first Iraq war, theUS burned through anestimated 417 millionpounds of jet fuel.·Mid-air refueling of jetscost prior to this years spike in gasprices averaged 17.50 per gallon.·Military tanks average 0.56 milesper gallon.·Aircraft carriers get 17-feet-pergallon.·An armored division uses about600,000 gallons of fuel per day.·The military paysabout $3.2 billiona year,just to maintain 20,000 active and40,000 reserves personal to simplymove and transport fuel.·Only one 68-ton tank fits intothe heaviest US lift aircraft, sodeployment is painfully slow.Army research has a new innovative7-10 ton version that wouldget 87% better fuel efficiency andis considered as safe for troops.What you discover when you lookat military equipment is that mostof it has not upgraded from 1960’stechnology. B-52’s, now being flownby the children of the original pilots,use the same inefficient lo-bypassengines from the 1960’s. They couldbe retrofitted with modern ones andgain about a third more efficiency andachieve half again as much range.The military seems to understandthe problems and is moving towardsmaking changes. Change comesslowly in these circles, but the pointis just the amazing amount offuel and energy that comes withfighting overseas. Hopefullywe can movetowards moreefficiencyfor the manycars, trucks,planes, shipsand substhat defineour military.Nothing willdo more tostop warsand conserveresourcesthan to movequickly tomake Americaenergyself-sufficient.For the manybrave peoplefighting today,that energyindependenceis their tickethome.communitycalendarSave the Date!!What: Second Annual Rallyto Protect America’s ArcticNational Wildlife RefugeWhen: March 20, 2007Where: West lawn of theCapitol, Washington DCWho: You! Your friends!Everyone interested inprotecting Wild Alaska!For more details, pleasecontact Erik DuMont aterik@alaskawild.orgSierra ClubSave the Date!!When: Tuesday, Feb 20 at 7:00 pmWhere: Unitarian UniversalistCongregationat the corner of Barcelona andGalisteo Streets, Santa Fewhat: overview of the ForestService Travel Management Rule,what is happening in the Santa FeNational Forest as a result, and howyou can get involved.contact: Michael Scialdonescial@nmwild.org or 505-843-8696for more info.Prairie Dog Pal-oozato Benefit Prairie Dog PalsApril 22, 2007 from 2 to 4 pmSpecial Event: guest speakers, music,refreshments, auction and moreTickets: $20 each or 2 for $35Contact: Tammy 505-410-3884Special Guest: Dr. Con Slobodchikoff, Professor ofBiology at Northern Arizona University, Expert onPrairie Dog LanguageSt. Timonthy’s Lutheran Church211 Jefferson, Albuquerque, NM(corner of Copper and Jefferson)www.prairiedogpals.org

Thank You to Our Sponsors for Supporting the 2006 New Mexico Wilderness Conference!Page 20 WINTER 2006N M W A S P O N S O R Splease support the businesses that support us.We’re IntoCamping!Jemez Physical TherapyPrivately owned outpatient clinicsituated in the mon community ofLos Alamos, New Mexico.2101 Trinity Dr # NLos Alamos, NM 87544(505) 661-6191BERNARDO BEACHNATIVE PLANT FARMDrought Tolerant & Native Landscape OrnamentalsRetail Plant Sales: 3729 Arno NEAlbuquerque, NM505-345-6248DESIGN AND CONSULTATION: JUDITH PHILLIPS

The Nature Conservancy’sBear Mountain LodgeSilver City, New Mexico1-877-620-BEARbearmountainlodge.comVERVEgallery of Photogr aphySilver City KOA1-800 562-7623silvercitynm@mykoa.comv e r v ef i n ea r t sfor gardeners’sake!gardeners’guild&garage on wellesley seserving the community since 2004An Exquisite SouthwesternBed & Breakfast InnTaos, New Mexico505-776-5734219 East Marcy StreetSanta Fe, New Mexico 87501505.982.5009w w w.vervefinearts.comjanuary: call for help, or by appt 268-2719february: visit our newly renovated digsNew Mexico WILD!Page 21

Page 22 WINTER 2006New Mexico’s Energy Policies: A ChronologyNew Mexico has the solar and wind powerresources, the technological developmentresources (businesses, laboratories, anduniversities), and the people resources tobecome a major hub of both renewableenergy manufacturing and generation.Realization of this potential is not just adream, but is already underway. This documentdescribes the existing policies andincentives already in place and the developmentthis is creating, and the new proposedpolicies and incentives that are now beingadvocated strongly at the State Legislature.Important policies are also under considerationat the Public Regulation Commission(PRC). More information about existingand future policies, and current proceedingsat both the Legislature and PRC can beobtained at www.NMCCAE.org. The cleanenergy future of New Mexico looks bright!Existing Policies and their impactsThe Clean Energy Policies that New Mexicohas in place already are:1998: Net-Metering Rule (passedby the Public Regulation Commission):This policy allows owners of renewableelectricity systems (typically photovoltaicor small wind systems) to interconnecttheir systems with the power grid, andliterally spin their meter backwards toobtain full retail credit for all the renewableelectricity they generate. This createda new small industry in the installation ofsuch systems. New solar tax incentives andPNM’s PV program now provide additionsupport, as such this local industry is nowgrowing rapidly.2002: Production Tax Credits forLarge Scale Renewable EnergyProjects: This corporate tax credit provides1 cent per kilowatt-hour for largewind, solar, and biomass generation facilities,and has been an important element toencourage large-scale wind power. It is nowproposed to increase credits for large-scalesolar power, and extend it for smaller systems(between 1 megawatt and 10 megawatts)to encourage larger distributed generationsystems.2004: Renewable Energy Standard(10% by 2011): This policy requiresinvestor owned utilities to provide 10%of their power from renewable sources,including both large-scale and distributedsources. This has already resulted in over$400 million of investment in wind powerdevelopment, and some biomass and distributedsolar development. Local impactsto communities are estimated at roughly$80 million in land rentals and taxes, plusadditional short-term installation andlong-term maintenance jobs. MesaLandsCommunity College is even establishinga Wind Technician Training Center. Thereare now proposals to increase the RenewableEnergy Standard to 25% by 2020. Thiswill likely lead to the emergence of muchmore solar generation, both large-scaleand small-scale, plus more wind development,with a total investment likely toexceed $1 billion.2004: Utility Voluntary GreenPower Programs (e.g. PNM’s SkyBlue): This program increases the marketfor renewable energy further in NewMexico by requiring both investor ownedutilities and rural electric co-ops to offergreen power at a PRC regulated price,which cannot be counted towards therequirements of utilities under the RenewableEnergy Standard.2005: Energy Efficiency Act: Thispolicy requires utilities to undertake andoffer efficiency programs for customers. Itwill result in tens of millions of dollars ofexpenditures for energy efficiency in NewMexico per year, increasing the market forefficient appliances and weatherization.2005: Clean Energy RevenueBond Act: This policy increases themarket for both energy efficiency andrenewable energy installations by providing$20 million in bonds for energy efficiencyupgrades at schools, state agencies.Net savings are used for renewable energy.2005: PNM PV Renewable EnergyCredits BuyBack Program: Underthis program, which forms part of theimplementation of the Renewable EnergyStandard by PNM and the PRC, PNM offersto buy Renewable Energy Credits, or “RECs”at $.13/kWh from net-metered photovoltaic(PV) systems. This is above and beyondthe benefits provided by net-metering,and applies to every kilo-watt hour of solarelectricity generated (whether consumedon-site or fed into the grid). This provides avery substantial incentive for PV systems.2006: Solar Tax Credits: This program providesa 30% personal income tax credit forinstallation of solar systems on a home orbusiness. The credit is worth 30% of systemcost, minus any applicable federal credits,up to $9000. It runs for 10 years, andclaimants may carry-over their credits upto 10 years if their liability is insufficientto absorb the credit in the first year. This,combined with PNM’s PV RECs programand net-metering, completes a suite ofincentives for solar energy installations.2006: Executive Order for 50%more efficient State Buildings:This executive order is the first steptowards establishing the “2030 Challenge”in New Mexico (see www.architecture2030.org). Implementation of the 2030 Challenge,which will require 100% cleanenergy buildings by 2030, creates a majormarket framework for efficient appliances,green building, and renewable energy.2006: Executive Order for AlternativeFuels for State Vehicles:This policy sets minimum alternative fuelstandards by state vehicles, and is the firststep in creating a major market in NewMexico for alternative fuels such as biodiesel,ethanol, hydrogen, and others.2006: Executive Order forGreenhouse Gas Reduction Targets& Establishing the ClimateChange Advisory Group: Thisexecutive order set aggressive greenhousetargets for New Mexico, and like the 2030Challenge creates a major market frameworkfor clean energy development inNew Mexico. The diverse Advisory Groupcreated by this order has now crafted a setof bold recommendations to achieve theGovernor’s reduction targets.21st Century Carscontinued from P13the future, but we need to be sure thosesources are not impacting our wild landscapesbefore considering them as a viablesource of energy. Methanol created frombiomass may be an excellent base fuel forfuel cell vehicles.Hydrogen is being considered for use incombustion engines and fuel cell electricvehicles. Hydrogen vehicles are poweredby fuel cells that produce no air pollutantsand few greenhouse gases. If fueled with pure hydrogen, fuel cells emit only heat andwater as a byproduct. Currently, there areissues with the transportation and storageof hydrogen fuel, but storing hydrogen incompressed, liquid, and bonded states iscurrently being explored for efficient use invehicles. Developing the infrastructure forproducing and distributing the fuel for fuelcell vehicles is also a major task. Historically,change in fuel substitutions (wood tocoal, oil to gas) has occurred over a periodof about 50 years. In the case of hydrogen,many feel the conversion timeline can begreatly reduced. If hydrogen is introducedon a widespread basis, the elimination ofoil use will be inevitable. The only questionwill be, how long?During WWII, the US demonstrated rapidoil and energy savings. US automakerswere able to go from car production tomilitary production in six months. It happenedbecause of leadership and a solidcommitment to victory. Today we face asimilar challenge. American cars continueto lose market share, while global warmingcomes in large part because of the automobile.Across the globe, more cars are beingproduced. In China and India, the lustfor the automobile is just beginning. Wecan produce large, safe and fuel-efficientvehicles and we can do it far sooner thanmany would have you believe. We have tomake fuel-efficiency in our cars a realitynow or we will lose so many beautiful landscapesand species not just in the West, butaround the world. It’s a great opportunity tohave a cleaner future and take charge of ournation’s energy security. a Special Thanks to filmmakerBob Willisfor his efforts on our Doña Ana CountyCampaign Commercial

New Mexico WILD!Page 23Dispatch from theWild CampusOWINGS-DEWEY FINE ARTA GALLERY FOR 19TH AND 20TH CENTURYAMERICAN ARTCONSULTATIONSALESAPPRAISAL76 EAST SAN FRANCISCO STREETSANTA FE, NM 87501505-982-6244WWW.OWINGSDEWEY.COMCall Joe Adair 505.319-3754By Phil Carter, UNMWild PresidentThis semester has been an important onefor UNM Wilderness Alliance. The group,now in its second year, has increased itspresence on campus with a website and anoffice. Currently, our dues-paying membershipis rapidly growing, and hundreds arereading our email updates.As UNMWild continues to grow, a niche isbeing filled within the campus communitysince our group is the only student organizationwithin the university dedicated tohabitat conservation and rewilding. Theprojects and endeavors that our grouphas undertaken reflect our perspective asstudents upon wilderness, with the mostobvious example being our work in wolfreintroduction. All semester, we have beenengaged in bringing information aboutMexican gray wolves to our fellow “Lobos,”and, with our petition, we are achieving acampus-wide bloc of support for the currentreintroduction program. Similarly,UNMWild has been adding to the growingsustainability movement in highlightingthe needless sacrifice of places like OteroMesa and the Arctic National WildlifeRefuge if fossil fuel drilling were to occur.At our monthly meetings during thesemester, we have discussed a wide rangeof topics including politics, energy policy,endangered species, and -above all- theimportance of activism. In October,UNMWild sponsored a hike in the Sandiafoothills where NMWA’s Trisha Londonrelayed a wealth of information about NewMexico’s edible and medicinal plants. Asthe only wilderness group on campus, wemake an effort to address a variety of conservationissues by maintaining close tieswith UNM’s Biology Department as wellas other green groups. Our email listservis fast becoming the university’s aggregatorof local environmental events, not just ourown but also events sponsored by ForestGuardians, Hawkwatch International,Tijeras Canyon Safe Passage Coalition, andothers.Looking forward to the Spring 2007 semester,UNMWild has much in store. We willcontinue work to build a university-basedcoalition in support of wolf reintroduction,as well as intensify our efforts to defendOtero Mesa and the Arctic Refuge. Groundworkwill be laid for extending NMWAstudent chapters into UNM branches andNew Mexico State University, with specialfocus at the NMSU campus on Doña AnaCounty wilderness. And, of course, we’ll besponsoring many events, including hikes,camping trips, services projects, films andart showings. Check our website periodicallyfor upcoming events.YES! I want to be a member of the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance!!! My contribution will gotowards the continued protection and wilderness designation of New Mexico’s natural heritage.Name _______________________________Phone_______________________________Street ______________________________E-mail_______________________________City, State, Zip _________________________________________________________________£ Enclosed is my check payable to New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Please charge my £ Visa or £ MastercardCard# __________________________________________Expiration Date: _______________Signature: ___________________________________Join New Mexico Wilderness AllianceToday! You’ll not only help preserveNew Mexico’s Wild Places for your ownenjoyment… but you’ll help ensure thatfuture generations may enjoy them too.q$25 – Individual q$100 – Contributing qOther $__________q$30 – Family q$500 – Lifetime q THIS IS A GIFT MEMBERSHIP FROM ____________________q$50 – Supporting q$10 – Student/SeniorMail yourTax DeductibleDonations to:New MexicoWilderness AlliancePO Box 25464Albuquerque, NM87125-0464Questions?505/843-8696Bob WillisAbuzz MediaNeed Info?Give us Abuzz!(505) 232-0707info@abuzzmedia.com

You can save the world.just three simple changes can make all the difference:1New MexicoWilderness AllianceP.O. Box 25464Albuquerque, NM 87125Do you need to renew?Check your membershipexpiration date locatedabove your name andaddress.Replace all yourexisting lightbulbs withCompactFluorescentLight Bulbs.If every Americanhome replaced just onelight bulb with a compactfluorescent, we would saveenough energy to light more than2.5 million homes for a year and preventgreenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions ofnearly 800,000 cars.ALBUQUERQUE NEW MEXICO 87125NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGEPAIDPERMIT NO. 4263Page 24 WINTER 20062Check your tire pressure.According to the U.S.Dept. of Energy, nearlyfour million gallons ofgas are wasted eachday nationwide forevery one pound persquare inch of tireunder-inflation. Thattranslates to more than$10 million per day, or$3.8 billion per year inwasted gas money.Take control of your thermostat.Check the furnace filter each month, replace it asneeded. • Open blinds and let the sun in. • Closeyour fireplace damper when not in use. • Dressappropriately for the weather, so you can set yourthermostat lower. • Put an extra blanket on thebed and turn down your thermostatmore at night. • Onlyheat the rooms you need—close vents and doors ofunused rooms. • If you canafford it, get a $100 programmablethermostat—it’llsave youat least that muchevery year!