READOUT: Heinrich Discusses Net-Zero Housing, Home Electrification With Local, State Leaders In El Prado
EL PRADO, N.M. - Ahead of Earth Day, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) met with local leaders to discuss affordable housing needs in Taos County, reducing energy burdens for low-income New Mexicans, and addressing the climate crisis.
Senator Heinrich highlighted his Zero-Emission Homes Act that would make the economic, environmental, and health benefits of home electrification affordable and accessible to all Americans. Senator Heinrich introduced the legislation to provide upfront, point-of-sale rebates for the purchase and installation of electric appliances and equipment in single-family homes and multifamily buildings, with additional support for low- and moderate- income households.
They also discussed the Community Energy Efficiency Development (CEED) Block Grant Act, led by District 42 State Representative Kristina Ortez, which provides block grants to local and Tribal governments, and the Mortgage Finance Authority, to make targeted energy efficiency improvements in underserved communities in partnership with local community organizations.
Key attendees included:
- District 42 State Representative Kristina Ortez
- Taos County Commissioner Anjanette Brush
- Taos County Manager Brent Jaramillo
- Interim Town of Taos Manager Andrew Gonzales
- Sanjay Poovadan, NetZero surrogate and board president of Taos Land Trust
