New Mexico Latino Group Sees Solar and Wind as Path to Environmental Justice

GreenLatinos aims to secure funding, advocate for environmental justice, and launch community initiatives to boost renewable energy access.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 8:04am

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A bold, highly structured abstract painting featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals in earthy tones of green, brown, and blue, conceptually representing the interconnectedness of renewable energy solutions and environmental justice for Latino communities in New Mexico.A visually striking abstract painting captures the intersection of renewable energy, environmental justice, and Latino communities in New Mexico, highlighting the potential for a just transition to a sustainable future.Las Cruces Today

The current administration has prioritized fossil fuels over renewables, but that hasn't stopped New Mexico from embracing wind and solar. With nearly 300 days of sunshine, New Mexico is among the top 12 states for solar production, even as it's also the second-largest oil-producing state. Last month, $10 million in bonds were approved for a new community solar farm near Las Cruces that could power 1,000 households. Carlos Mutates, program director of New Mexico GreenLatinos, said state tax credits help those who want to install solar, but more could be done to ensure a 'just transition' that benefits underserved communities.

Why it matters

New Mexico's embrace of renewable energy, particularly solar and wind, presents an opportunity to address environmental justice concerns in Latino communities that have been disproportionately impacted by pollution from fossil fuel infrastructure. GreenLatinos is working to secure funding, advocate for environmental justice, and launch community initiatives to ensure marginalized groups can access the benefits of the clean energy transition.

The details

New Mexico is among the top 12 states for solar production, even as it's also the second-largest oil-producing state. Last month, $10 million in bonds were approved for a new community solar farm near Las Cruces that could power 1,000 households. State tax credits help those who want to install solar, but Carlos Mutates of GreenLatinos says more could be done to ensure a 'just transition' that benefits underserved communities. Meanwhile, the SunZia Wind and Transmission project, set to be the largest renewable project in the Western Hemisphere, is designed to power 3 million homes in New Mexico and Arizona.

  • In 2026, GreenLatinos is accelerating its three-year strategic plan to build Latino environmental power.
  • Project construction for the SunZia Wind and Transmission project began in 2023 with startup expected this year.

The players

Carlos Mutates

The program director of New Mexico GreenLatinos, a group working to secure funding, advocate for environmental justice, and launch community initiatives to boost renewable energy access.

GreenLatinos

A New Mexico-based organization focused on building Latino environmental power, including securing funding for public lands, advocating for environmental justice, and launching community initiatives.

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What they’re saying

“If we're focusing on building out utility-scale renewables, that's a bridge between poverty and prosperity, a just transition that can actually work for our communities.”

— Carlos Mutates, Program Director, New Mexico GreenLatinos

“Sixty-two percent of Latino households in New Mexico are in areas with unhealthy levels of ozone pollution – close to fossil-fuel infrastructure. So, this is an environmental justice issue.”

— Carlos Mutates, Program Director, New Mexico GreenLatinos

What’s next

In 2026, GreenLatinos is accelerating its three-year strategic plan to build Latino environmental power, focused on securing funding for public lands, advocating for environmental justice, and launching community initiatives.

The takeaway

New Mexico's embrace of renewable energy, particularly solar and wind, presents an opportunity to address environmental justice concerns in Latino communities that have been disproportionately impacted by pollution from fossil fuel infrastructure. Organizations like GreenLatinos are working to ensure marginalized groups can access the benefits of the clean energy transition and build a more sustainable and equitable future.