Senator Not Alone in Effort: Both PNM, Udall support legislation on climate change

 

Apr 8 - McClatchy-Tribune Business News Formerly Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News - John Fleck Albuquerque Journal, N.M.

Jeff Bingaman is not alone among New Mexicans trying to find a compromise position to move climate change legislation forward.

PNM, the Albuquerquebased utility company, is part of the U.S. Climate Action Partnership, a coalition of industry and environmental groups.

Jeff Sterba, PNM's chairman, has been a frequent visitor to Capitol Hill as he pushes for action on the issue.

"I fundamentally believe that it is the right thing to do, for society and for our country," Sterba said. But in addition to the moral argument, there is a business case to be made.

Sterba believes some sort of regulation is inevitable, and he wants it to be done right -- in a way that minimizes economic damage while maximizing long-term reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

Sterba supports the path Bingaman is taking.

Meanwhile, in the House of Representatives, Northern New Mexico Democratic Congressman Tom Udall is pushing a bill of his own that is similar in approach to Bingaman's.

"I have listened to the scientists," Udall said during a recent talk in Albuquerque, "and the loudest message I have heard is that we must get started."