SANTA FE, N.M. – The New Mexico State Land Office has won the “Rural Project of the Year” Award from New Mexico IDEA, recognizing the rapid expansion of renewable energy projects on state trust lands, particularly in rural communities, under the leadership of Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard. In presenting the award, New Mexico IDEA highlighted that “335,000 acres of state trust land now leased for renewable development, while major projects are creating investment, economic activity, infrastructure, and recurring revenue for New Mexico’s public schools, universities, and hospitals.”
The New Mexico IDEA Economic Development Excellence Awards recognize projects, programs, and partnerships that are strengthening communities and creating opportunity across our state.
“I had a goal of tripling renewable energy on state lands when I came into office, and we have long since blown past that goal,” said Commissioner Garcia Richard. “This award acknowledges the investments we have made on state lands, particularly in rural communities, to expand renewable energy development in New Mexico. Large projects like the SunZia wind farm will generate hundreds of millions in new revenue for our public institutions, while community solar projects in rural areas like Grant and Hidalgo counties will bring clean energy directly to New Mexico neighborhoods. With this comprehensive approach, we are helping New Mexico become a renewable energy leader. I’m especially grateful to our staff in our Office of Renewable Energy for doing such great work on behalf of their fellow New Mexicans.”
Commissioner Garcia Richard created the first-ever Office of Renewable Energy at the State Land Office. In 2023, she successfully pushed legislation that codified the office and made it a permanent part of the agency’s structure.
When she first assumed office, there were about 400 megawatts of renewable energy under lease on state lands. Today, there are now approximately 4,195 megawatts of wind and solar energy under lease on state lands throughout New Mexico, representing a tenfold increase. In addition, there are now 55 long-term renewable energy leases – including 11 community solar leases – at the State Land Office, up from 12 when Commissioner Garcia Richard took office in 2019. The State Land Office is expected to earn over $2.4 billion over the life of the projects.
New Mexico Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard has overseen the New Mexico State Land Office since 2019. In that time the agency has earned more than $16 billion for New Mexico public schools, hospitals, and universities. Over 13 million acres of state trust land are leased for a variety of uses, including ranching and farming, renewable energy, business development, mineral development, and outdoor recreation. The State Land Office has a dual mandate to use state trust land to financially support vital public institutions, while simultaneously working to protect the land for future generations.