The bill amends the definitions within the Rural Electric Cooperative Act and the Renewable Energy Act to include "natural gas using combined cycle technology" as a recognized renewable energy resource. This addition modifies the existing definitions of "renewable energy resource" to encompass electric or useful thermal energy generated from this technology, alongside other renewable sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal. The bill also clarifies that electric energy generated from fossil fuels or nuclear energy is generally excluded from the definition of renewable energy, with the exception of natural gas using combined cycle technology.

By incorporating natural gas using combined cycle technology into the definition of renewable energy resources, the bill aims to broaden the scope of energy sources that can be utilized by rural electric cooperatives and public utilities in New Mexico. This change reflects a shift towards recognizing a more diverse range of energy generation methods that can contribute to the state's renewable energy goals while still maintaining a focus on reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 62-15-37, 62-16-3