Editor,
New Mexico’s dependence on nonrenewable energy sources like coal and oil is wasteful, unclean and unnecessary. As an international student in New Mexico, I was struck by the bounteous space and sunlight from which this state benefits daily, a welcome alternative to the British rain. This state has the second-highest potential for solar-generated energy in the whole of the United States — and yet, absurdly, we only gather a mere 2 percent of our energy from this environmentally friendly alternative.
Environmental organizations are working tirelessly on realistic and simple solutions that, with widespread support from New Mexico citizens, could bring lasting and positive change to our entire population for many years. These environmentally friendly policies would bring 100,000 solar roofs to New Mexico within seven years, a sustainable and clean alternative to our continuing wasteful and expensive dependence on fossil fuels. Not only would this renewable alternative help keep our air and water supplies clean, but also its economical and financial viability is extensive — having the potential to create 16,000 jobs by 2016 (Source: Environment New Mexico).
So let’s have our state set a precedent for clean and renewable energy that the whole nation can follow. In my short time here, I would love to see us take those few key steps that could help preserve our planet for future generations. Solar can take us so far.
Maddie Soper
UNM student
