Recognizing the profound implications that global warming and climate variation could have on the economy, environment and quality of life in the Southwest, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson signed Executive Order 05-033 on June 5, 2005. This Executive Order had the following effects:

• It established the New Mexico Climate Change Advisory Group (CCAG) to provide specific, measurable proposals to the Action Council to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in New Mexico. Their work was completed in October, 2006 and the final report of that group can be reviewed at www.nmclimatechange.us.
• The Final Report of the Climate Change Advisory included an inventory of New Mexico greenhouse gas emissions.  That appendix to the report, "New Mexico Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Reference Case Projections, 1990-2020", is available at this link.
• It mandated the creation of a report on potential impacts of global warming on New Mexico. That report, "The Potential Effects of Climate Change on New Mexico" is available at this link.
• Another requirement of EO 05-033 is a report on water resource predictions that has been prepared by the Office of State Engineer. It is titled "The Impact of Climate Change on New Mexico's Water Supply and Ability to Manage Water Resources"

Following on this work and to spur further progress, Governor Richardson issued Executive Order 06-069, New Mexico Climate Action, on December 28, 2006.

New Mexico Climate Change Initiatives Implementation
Key Opportunities for Stakeholder Input
NM Implementation Update (meeting of August 14, 2007)
Climate Change implementation Action Team Report to Clean Energy Development Council (meeting of August 24, 2007)

New Mexico works to help establish the Western Regional Climate Action Initiative along with Arizona, California, Oregon and Washington. The Memorandum of Understanding is available here.
A public information meeting on New Mexico's involvement in the Western Climate Initiative will be held on September 20 in Santa  Fe. Click here for meeting materials.

Science of climate change and projections for New Mexico