Committee endorses memorial to study direct‑air capture despite opposition from some advocates

Representative Romero introduced House Joint Memorial 4, which asks for legislative endorsement of research into direct‑air capture (DAC) technology and related study work at New Mexico Tech.

Supporters argued the memorial is a request for study and not an appropriation. Companies and researchers with ties to utilities said DAC and carbon‑removal research may be needed to meet deep‑decarbonization goals and to assess possible federal funding opportunities. Mike D’Antonio of Xcel Energy and Carlos Lucero of PNM said exploring carbon‑removal technologies could complement the state’s energy transition and long‑term carbon‑reduction targets.

Opponents urged caution. Multiple speakers, including Athena Cristadulu and representatives of a New Mexico‑based coalition, said DAC is extremely energy‑intensive, commercially unproven at scale and could leave the state responsible for long‑term geologic sequestration risks; the coalition asked the Legislature to avoid creating incentives or expectations that the state would absorb costs or environmental liabilities. Representative Sariana asked whether seismicity could affect sequestration; speakers acknowledged uncertainty and recommended more research.

The committee approved the memorial on a do‑pass vote. Supporters said the memorial would fund no program change by itself but would send a signal and potentially help New Mexico Tech access federal or private research support. Opponents said the state should be cautious about endorsing technologies that may shift future costs or environmental risk onto New Mexico.

Why it matters: Direct‑air capture is one tool among many under study to remove CO2 from the atmosphere; the memorial would encourage further research at a state university and help the Legislature consider the costs, benefits and geologic risks before any policy or deployment decisions.

What’s next: The memorial passed committee and will be forwarded for additional legislative consideration. If the Legislature and state agencies pursue research, lawmakers and regulators will need technical studies showing lifecycle energy use, costs, and geologic storage risks in New Mexico conditions.