To: The New Mexico State House and The New Mexico State Senate
SOLARIZE ALL SANTA FE COUNTY FIRESTATIONS WITH DISCRETIONARY CAPITAL OUTLAY FUNDS
Dear Legislators,
We know that New Mexico is faced with deepening drought from average temperature rise and declining precipitation caused by climate change. We also know that this means greater risk of catastrophic wildfires for our state.
We want to honor the brave men and women who risk their lives to protect us from the threat of wildfires and who stand at the front lines of climate change by solarizing all Santa Fe County fire stations. Solar installations at our fire stations will reduce the use of coal electricity that is the largest contributor to carbon pollution in the state and is increasing the frequency and severity of wildfires. Solar energy systems will also save money - allowing funds previously used to pay utility bills - to be used for the purchase of fire safety equipment and essential fire station operating needs.
Please contribute your discretionary funds to support one of the County's top 5 Infrastructure and Capital Improvement Projects: The Solarization of All Santa Fe County Fire Stations.
By deploying solar systems on all Santa Fe County fire stations you will:
1) Stimulate local economic development;
2) Make the needed transition from fossil fuel dependency to renewables;
3) Protect the air, water, and land we love; and
4) Enable all County fire departments to repurpose money previously designated for utility bill payment to fire safety and protection.
Now is the time to lead by example! As a resident of Santa Fe County, I am asking that solar installations for the County’s fire stations be included among your capital outlay projects. Please invest at least 25,000 dollars to solarize all of Santa Fe County’s fire stations; Santa Fe has the potential to be a clean energy leader – let’s actualize that potential.
We know that New Mexico is faced with deepening drought from average temperature rise and declining precipitation caused by climate change. We also know that this means greater risk of catastrophic wildfires for our state.
We want to honor the brave men and women who risk their lives to protect us from the threat of wildfires and who stand at the front lines of climate change by solarizing all Santa Fe County fire stations. Solar installations at our fire stations will reduce the use of coal electricity that is the largest contributor to carbon pollution in the state and is increasing the frequency and severity of wildfires. Solar energy systems will also save money - allowing funds previously used to pay utility bills - to be used for the purchase of fire safety equipment and essential fire station operating needs.
Please contribute your discretionary funds to support one of the County's top 5 Infrastructure and Capital Improvement Projects: The Solarization of All Santa Fe County Fire Stations.
By deploying solar systems on all Santa Fe County fire stations you will:
1) Stimulate local economic development;
2) Make the needed transition from fossil fuel dependency to renewables;
3) Protect the air, water, and land we love; and
4) Enable all County fire departments to repurpose money previously designated for utility bill payment to fire safety and protection.
Now is the time to lead by example! As a resident of Santa Fe County, I am asking that solar installations for the County’s fire stations be included among your capital outlay projects. Please invest at least 25,000 dollars to solarize all of Santa Fe County’s fire stations; Santa Fe has the potential to be a clean energy leader – let’s actualize that potential.
Why is this important?
Our hugely successful solar installation at the Tesuque Fire Station slashed the fire station's monthly utility bill from $115 to $8.65 and effectively diverted savings to the purchase of safety equipment and resources for the station.
Now the County wants to bring the benefits of solar energy to all of its fire stations. Santa Fe County can set an example for the rest of the state. Legislators in Bernalillo and Dona Ana counties have already expressed interest in expanding the effort to their communities next year.
Now the County wants to bring the benefits of solar energy to all of its fire stations. Santa Fe County can set an example for the rest of the state. Legislators in Bernalillo and Dona Ana counties have already expressed interest in expanding the effort to their communities next year.