Solar energy, green jobs are big winners in 2009 legislative session

The 2009 New Mexico legislative session may be remembered by many as the one when the money stopped flowing and painful budget decisions had to be made. But renewable energy advocates say 2009 is actually the year when state government got on board the renewable energy bandwagon.

“We’re pleased about everything that happened — the solar energy incentives plus the green jobs bills,” said Mike Mattioli, principal with Consolidated Solar Technologies.

“When you look at the number of renewable energy bills that passed in the aggregate,” he continued, “it gives you reassurance that our legislators are not just talking the talk — they’re walking the walk too.”