Heinrich Touts Economic Benefits Of Eastern N.M. Wind Projects
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) toured the future site of the Sagamore Wind Project, which will be the largest wind farm in New Mexico's history, and the Roosevelt Wind Farm in Dora, N.M.
Senator Heinrich visited the Sagamore Wind Project site with representatives from Xcel Energy, local municipal leadership and school district board members to highlight the impact the $1.6 billion project will have on the local economy and community. The Sagamore Wind Project will be a 522-megawatt wind farm that will create up to 300 construction jobs and as many as 30 full-time operations jobs, produce an estimated $43 million in gross receipts tax revenue for the state of New Mexico, and save consumers money on their electric bills. Local public schools will receive millions of dollars in funding from tax revenue generated over the lifetime of the project, including $44.5 million for schools in Dora and $39 million for schools in Portales.
“The hundreds of clean energy jobs in eastern New Mexico and the more affordable electric bills for consumers that this project will create are exactly why I worked so hard to pass the wind production tax credit,” said Senator Heinrich. “In the coming years, New Mexico has the potential to become a national leader in the production of wind and solar energy. I will keep doing everything I can to support this incredible opportunity to fuel significant job growth and investment in communities all across our state.”
“We are proud to be the regional utility supplier for this area, and very much appreciate the community support we have received from Roosevelt County and our state and federal legislators,” said David Hudson, President, Xcel Energy - New Mexico, Texas.
Senator Heinrich also toured the Roosevelt Wind Project, a 300-megawatt wind farm adjacent to the site of the new Sagamore Wind Project.
Senator Heinrich has been a leading advocate of tax credits to support the development of wind and solar energy. He spearheaded efforts in 2015 to secure a multi-year extension of wind and solar production and investment tax credits that encourage companies and investors to support major projects like the Sagamore Wind Project. Over the last few years, New Mexico has seen an increase in construction of more utility-scale wind farms made possible by those pro-growth tax policies.
