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HJM 4

DIRECT AIR CAPTURE TECHNOLOGY

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Meredith Dixon and 1 co-sponsor

New Mexico legislature endorses direct air capture technology development as climate strategy, though the bill stalled in Senate before indefinite postponement in June 2025.

action postponed indefinitely
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Bill Summary · HJM 4

Legislative bill overview

HJM 4 is a New Mexico house joint memorial that expresses legislative support for direct air capture (DAC) technology development and deployment in the state. The bill acknowledges DAC's potential role in addressing climate change by removing carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere and likely urges state entities to explore incentives, research partnerships, or policy frameworks to advance the technology.

Why is this important

Direct air capture is an emerging climate mitigation technology that could help New Mexico meet climate goals while potentially creating new economic opportunities in the energy and industrial sectors. As a fossil fuel-producing state, New Mexico faces unique pressures to diversify its energy economy, making DAC development strategically relevant to both environmental and economic interests.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and feasibility concerns: DAC technology remains extremely expensive and energy-intensive; critics question whether resources should prioritize proven emissions reduction methods like renewable energy instead
  • Energy source questions: The bill's silence on whether DAC facilities would use fossil fuels or renewables creates ambiguity about actual climate benefits and may mask continued fossil fuel dependence
  • Economic viability: Skeptics argue DAC is not yet commercially viable and that state incentives could represent wasteful spending without clear market demand or technological readiness

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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