Expert Policy Forums: Critical Data Needed for Strong Energy Policy
The New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD), in partnership with New Mexico State University’s (NMSU) Arrowhead Center and New Mexico Institute for Mining and Technology, invites you to attend an expert public policy forum supporting EMNRD’s development of the state’s Comprehensive Energy Transition Strategy (CETS). This forum will convene policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and community leaders to address a foundational issue for New Mexico’s energy future: the availability and use of strong, high‑quality data to inform and monitor effective energy policy.
Critical Data Needed for the Energy Transition
Wednesday, April 22, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
NM State Capitol, 490 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87501
What to Expect
This forum is designed to support evidence‑based, forward‑looking energy policy by examining current data gaps and opportunities across New Mexico’s energy landscape. Participants will engage in expert‑led discussions focused on how improved data collection, governance, and sharing can better support decision‑making related to clean, reliable, and affordable energy.
Agenda Highlights:
Welcome and Context‑Setting - Overview of CETS and the role of data in shaping proactive, effective energy policy
Facilitated Expert Discussion - Exploration of existing data gaps, under‑utilized datasets, risks associated with relying on external or federal data sources and opportunities for capturing new data sources for future policy
Policy‑Focused Breakouts - Identification of problems, opportunities, and challenges related to:
Infrastructure planning
Energy costs and rate design
Climate change impacts
Workforce opportunities, particularly in underserved communities
Policy evaluation and effectiveness
Action‑Oriented Outcomes - Discussion of resources, institutions, and governance structures needed to strengthen energy data collection and use in New Mexico
Why this Forum Matters
New Mexico policymakers often face decisions without access to the accurate, up‑to‑date, granular, and high‑quality data needed to fully evaluate impacts, costs, and benefits. Strong data enables:
The tracking of climate and energy policy targets
The quantification of energy policy impacts (energy affordability, security and environmental stewardship) and a better understanding of the economic and societal impacts of the energy transition
More cost‑effective and efficient decarbonization investments
Improved infrastructure and workforce planning
Better preparation for climate change impacts
More equitable policy outcomes across communities
For questions, contact us at [email protected] .
Travel Scholarship: A limited Travel Scholarship is available to support community members attending in person. Details and the official request form can be accessed at https://nmsu.link/CETS.
Thank you for your continued collaboration in advancing a clean, resilient, and inclusive energy future for New Mexico.