Chavez Releases “Vision for A World Class Economy In New Mexico”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday January 27th, 2012

Contact: 505-510-0019 or press@martychavez.com

Chavez Releases “Vision for A World Class Economy In New Mexico”

Plan Aims to Stimulate Green Job Creation in New Mexico’s Clean Energy Economy

(ALBUQUERQUE) – Today, former Albuquerque Mayor Marty Chavez released his plan to stimulate job growth in New Mexico's clean energy economy.

The plan, titled “A Vision for A World Class Economy in New Mexico,” is a framework for creating jobs and strengthening the foundation of New Mexico's clean energy future based on encouraging innovation in new technologies and investing in public education and job training.

“New Mexico's future lies in leading the nation towards a 21st century clean energy economy. To reach these goals, we must focus on large-scale ingenuity and innovation,” said Chavez. “As your Representative, I will forge a strong bond between our Congressional delegation, state and local leaders, the national labs, educational systems, as well as business and labor interests to craft legislation that utilizes our natural and high-tech resources to promote sustainable, long term job creation in New Mexico’s clean energy economy.”

Marty's plan covers a wide array of initiatives that take advantage of central New Mexico's incredible resources that will serve as a launch pad for our new economy including technology transfer from the national labs for commercialization, integrating intellectual infrastructure into public schools, regulatory reform, streamlining of funding processes, engaging private investment, updating best practices of government and other public entities, expanding PACE programs, modernizing electrical production and distribution, green grid development, support for bio-fuel research, recognizing the importance of natural gas as a bridge fuel and perhaps most importantly, protecting and respecting the natural environment.

Former Secretary of Economic Development for the State of New Mexico Fred Mondragon praised the plan, noting, “This is exactly the type of comprehensive energy plan New Mexico needs to take advantage of our unique natural and scientific resources. These policies can have a fast and meaningful impact on job creation, energy conservation and renewable energy production in our state.”

Chavez added, “Throughout my career, when I set out to accomplish something on behalf of New Mexican families, I got the results they needed. I am the the only candidate in this race who has actually helped to create meaningful green jobs in this district. I worked tirelessly to bring innovative solar companies like Schott Solar to Albuquerque, expand Emcore and K-Tech's local operations and attract the film industry with Albuquerque Studios and am proud to have helped create the Sandia Science and Technology Park. Plainly, I am the best prepared candidate to lead in our clean energy economy.”

The full plan, “A Vision for A World Class Economy In New Mexico,” is attached and also available at www.martychavez.com/greenjobs.

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BACKGROUND: Marty served as Executive Director of the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives in the United States (ICLEI-USA) from 2010-2011 where he led the growing national movement of U.S. cities, towns, and counties that are taking action to combat climate change, save energy, create green jobs, and make their communities better places to live. He directed ICLEI’s ongoing efforts to empower these local governments with the tools, resources, and expertise necessary to achieve their goals.

In this capacity, Marty participated in the United Nations Climate Change Conventions in both Copenhagen and Cancun and joined leading CEOs and environmental experts from around the world on an extraordinary journey to explore the impacts of climate change on Antarctica, led by renowned polar explorer and environmental leader Sir Robert Swan.

Marty's campaign to bring leadership that gets results to Congress is supported by a growing list of labor, progressive, environmental and Democratic supporters from across New Mexico and around the country including IBEW Local 611, AFSCME Local 3022, environmental activist Robert Redford, women’s equality activist Lilly Ledbetter, UFW co-founder Dolores Huerta, Vice President Walter Mondale, Fmr. NM Attorney General Patricia Madrid, Ambassador Joe Wilson, Ambassador Ed Romero, Animal Protection Voters of New Mexico, L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, U.S. Rep. David Cicilline and Madison, WI Mayor Paul Soglin, Carbon War Room CEO Jigar Shah, President of the Earth Day Network Kathleen Rogers , TED Conference founder Richard Saul Wurman, CEO of the Center for Climate Strategies Thomas Peterson and Fmr. Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels.

For additional endorsements and supporters please visit www.martychavez.com/supporters.

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