photo: New Mexico Independant

Stewart Udall Endorses Luján

Stewart Udall, a former Congressman, Cabinet member under Presidents Kennedy and Johnson, respected environmentalist and Rep. Tom Udall’s father, has endorsed the LCV-endorsed Ben Ray Luján as the candidate of choice to replace his son for NM-03.

As Tom vacates his U.S. House seat to move to the U.S. Senate, his much respected elder has given the nod to New Mexico Public Regulation Commissioner Luján largely for his strength on energy and environmental issues – especially renewable energy. The elder Udall sees Lujan as the best choice to carry on the strong environmental legacy of his son. Luján has a proven track record of working to create "green jobs" and has led on efforts to increase New Mexico's use of clean, renewable energy.

Quotes from Stewart Udall:

"He’s been pushing for renewable energy," Udall said. "McCain even endorsed global warming, and Luján's big on global warming. I think he’s the logical choice because of his record. There’s nothing personal in this." (New Mexico Independent, 5/14/08)

"I've followed (Luján's) career, and I have a high regard for him," the elder Udall said in a telephone interview. He said he likes Luján's record on energy and environmental issues. "He's interested in all the things I am," Udall said. (Sante Fe New Mexican, 5/14/08)

Gene Karpinski, President of the League of Conservation Voters, says:

“Ben Lujan’s experience with renewable energy and proven commitment to the environment make him the best choice for the voters of Northern New Mexico,” LCV President Gene Karpinski said. “Washington needs tough, vital leaders like Lujan to fight for the clean, renewable energy that will power this country in the future and put an end to global warming.”

Ben Ray Lujan, in his own words:

“I am proud of this endorsement and honored by the support of the environmental community,” Lujan said. “Global warming is a dangerous and growing problem, but renewable energy is a big part of the solution. I will stand up to the big corporations, and make the production of clean, renewable energy and the creation of green jobs right here in New Mexico my priority as a member of Congress.”

As Chairman of the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (PRC):

• Lujan worked to push regulated New Mexico utilities to achieve a commitment to produce 20% of their power from renewable sources by the year 2010, making New Mexico one of the first states to do so.

• Lujan signed on to the Joint Action Framework on Climate Change on behalf of the state of New Mexico to join with the utility commissions in California, Oregon and Washington to create regional cooperation to address global warming.

• Lujan pushed regulated utilities to accept full net metering of excess renewable energy produced from customers, allowing consumers who generate their own renewable energy to sell power back to the utilities.

• Lujan worked to set-up a partnership with the PRC and the Sierra Club for a light bulb exchange program, which allowed people to exchange incandescent light bulbs for energy efficient compact fluorescent bulbs.

On the importance of addressing global warming:

“I believe that global warming is the biggest challenge to the environment facing our nation and the world today. It is not only a matter of economic and national security but a matter of survival.”

On creating “green jobs” by investing in renewable energy:

“I have seen the impact moving toward renewable energy has made in New Mexico and believe that we should be more supportive nationally through tax incentives, and subsidies for renewable energy projects. In New Mexico it did two immediate things; it created jobs and diversified employment opportunities in rural communities. I am a strong believer in creating green jobs. It helps to reduce our carbon footprint and reduce our use of fossil fuels.”

On working internationally to solve global warming:

“I strongly believe that the United States should be a leader in environmental protection. If we want countries like China and India to curb their green house emissions, then the United States must set the example by signing on to the Kyoto protocol and then leading the way for stronger environmental protections.”

On the importance of protecting our public lands:

“New Mexico is known as the ‘Land of Enchantment’ and I believe this is in large part to our numerous public lands. However, this current administration has shown its disregard for our public lands.  I believe that we need to invest in the crumbling infrastructure of our National parks and public lands to preserve them for future Americans.”