Gov. Bill Richardson, D-N.M., has completed selections for the eight-member board that will govern the Renewable Energy Transmission Authority (RETA), the nation's first state-level financing authority focused on developing the towers, lines and other infrastructure needed to carry renewable-derived electricity to waiting markets, according to the governor's office.
Richardson named the following members: Robert E. Busch, retired president and chief operating officer of Public Service Enterprise Group Services Corp.; Ned Farquhar, Mountain West Energy/climate advocate, Natural Resources Defense Council; and Steven S. Michel, senior staff attorney, energy program, Western Resource Advocates.
Speaker of the House Ben Lujan selected Beatriz Rivera, founding member of Energy Resource Associates LLC, while president pro tempore of the N.M. Senate Ben D. Altamirano picked Robert McNeil, retired executive from El Paso Electric Co. Other RETA board members include State Treasurer James Lewis; the state investment officer or designee; and Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Cabinet Secretary Joanna Prukop, ex officio.
RETA additionally plans to develop energy-storage projects, such as compressed-air storage for wind power, to make the greatest possible use of New Mexico's renewable energy power-producing potential, the governor's office says.
