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New Mexico high court denies push to declare energy law unconstitutional

Four Corners Power Plant. Photo courtesy of EcoFlight and San Juan Citizens Alliance

  SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Supreme Court has denied a petition by a clean energy group to declare new legislation unconstitutional.

The Santa Fe New Mexican reports that the petition by New Energy Economy and other groups was denied by the high court Tuesday.

Officials say the Energy Transition Act was designed to move public utilities and rural electric cooperatives toward renewable and zero-carbon resources.

Officials say the law requires the state to meet half its energy demand without fossil fuels by 2030, and 100% by 2045.

The Santa Fe-based energy group says the law undermines the Public Regulation Commission’s right to review and approve how to pay costs of retiring old fossil fuel power sources.

The law passed earlier this year and was signed by Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.