Click play to listen to this article.

(New Mexico News Connection) A summer of fires, floods and extreme heat have prompted a series of climate change town halls in New Mexico this month, ahead of the 2025 legislative session.

Camilla Feibelman, director of the Rio Grande Chapter of the Sierra Club, said the meetings will engage with communities. She explained the idea is to make sure they know about federal, state and utility incentives helping people weatherize homes, increase the efficiency of appliances, install solar panels and purchase electric vehicles.

"At the same time, wanting to know from people what could our transition look like?," Feibelman pointed out. "What are the kinds of jobs that people could have; what kind of legislation they'd like us to work on in this next 60 days."

Image

The first town hall is August 8 in Albuquerque, followed by others in Las Cruces, Taos and Santa Fe. New Mexico state legislators will be on hand for each of the sessions, which begin at 5:30 p.m.

Feibelman acknowledged New Mexico has done a lot of work to address climate change, including clean car rules, solar credits and energy-efficient building codes. There are also new laws to reduce methane and smog from oil and gas production. But as she noted, it remains a complex problem.

"Because the Permian oil boom is so big and so profound, it's like the goal post is getting pushed out," Feibelman stressed. "If we were to truly reduce our emissions in the way that a crisis like this demands, we're going to have to really take comprehensive action."

She added those people who have long depended on jobs in the fossil fuel industry must also have a sustainable path forward as the climate crisis is addressed. Feibelman sees the town halls as a good opportunity for people to learn the vast impacts of climate change, including how it worsens their allergies.

"We want people to feel like they're coming away from these town halls with some small steps they can take at home," Feibelman emphasized. "And some more comprehensive ways they can get involved in the decision-making and legislative process."

New Mexico residents have long been happy about having fewer mosquitoes than many states, but climate change has unexpectedly brought a new variety to Albuquerque, making it difficult to be outside during summer months.