New Mexico gets funds to reduce energy consumption
SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO - More than $20 million in federal stimulus money is headed to New Mexico to help communities reduce energy consumption.
The funds were announced by New Mexico's congressional delegation, Gov. Bill Richardson and the White House.
Richardson says of all the stimulus-related activities, nothing gives a greater return on investment than saving energy. He says that's something that can be done in every corner of the state.
The funding will come in the form of grants from the U.S. Energy Department. The money can be used for energy audits, efficiency retrofits and more efficient street and traffic lights, among other things.
Projects will be solicited through a competitive process issued by the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department.
Related News

N.S. joins Western Climate Initiative for tech support for emissions plan
HALIFAX - Nova Scotia is yet to set targets for its new cap and trade regime to reduce greenhouse gases, but the province announced Monday that it has joined the Western Climate Initiative Inc. -- a non-profit corporation formed to provide administrative and technical services to states and provinces with emissions trading programs.
Environment Minister Iain Rankin said joining the initiative would allow the province to use its IT system to manage and track its new cap and trade program.
Rankin said the province can join without trading greenhouse gas emission allowances with other jurisdictions -- California, Quebec, and Ontario are currently…