| Hello Albuquerque, This month, we took real steps to continue putting people first – protecting our neighborhoods, our public lands, and the future we all share. As federal rollbacks put our environment at risk, Albuquerque is stepping up. I signed two executive orders: one to protect our open spaces like the Bosque and the Foothills, and another to push the City further toward clean energy. We’re cutting back on fossil fuel use in City buildings, listening to the communities hit hardest by climate change, and making sure everyone has a voice. We’re on track to power all City operations with 100% renewable energy by the end of the year, and we’re committed to a healthier, more sustainable Albuquerque for the long run. We’re also working to strengthen public safety. A new bipartisan state law now allows DACA recipients and other legal residents with work permits to become police officers. In a city like ours—where being immigrant-friendly is part of who we are—that’s a big deal. It helps us build a police force that reflects the people it serves, which builds trust, and that’s the foundation of real public safety. We also passed a new law to protect renters from dangerous heat. Now, all rental homes in Albuquerque must have working cooling systems. As our summers get hotter, this is an important step to protect kids, seniors, and anyone with health issues from unsafe living conditions. Through it all, one thing is clear: when we stand together, we move forward. Even with challenges coming at us from all sides, we keep making progress by focusing on what matters most to our community. Let’s keep it going—together. Sincerely, Mayor Tim Keller |
Defend ABQ: Protecting Public Lands and Powering a Clean Energy Future
Albuquerque is doubling down on its commitment to environmental protection and climate resilience through two new executive orders announced by Mayor Keller
At the 2025 Electrify New Mexico Conference, the City unveiled a major push toward clean energy. The first executive order lays out a path to achieve 100% renewable energy for all municipal operations by the end of 2025 and sets a long-term vision for net-zero emissions by 2050. It commits to phasing out fossil fuels in public buildings and prioritizing historically underserved communities in climate adaptation efforts—ensuring an equitable transition to a more sustainable future.
Days later, during Albuquerque’s Earth Day Festival, the City issued a second executive order focused on protecting more than 30,000 acres of public open space. From the Bosque to the Foothills, the order strengthens protections for natural habitats, safeguards our aquifer, and preserves public lands from threats like drilling, mining, and federal environmental rollbacks.
Through Defend ABQ, the City is making sure that clean water, open space, and a livable climate remain protected for generations to come.
Learn more at cabq.gov/defendabq.
