Committee unanimously advances HB 159 to require notice to Military Base Planning Commission on renewable siting applications

Representative Serrano presented HB 159, a bill that would require owners or developers of large wind or solar projects to notify the chair of the New Mexico Military Base Planning Commission (the lieutenant governor) when they submit an application to the Department of Defense (DoD) Military Aviation and Installation Assurance Clearinghouse, and to provide the clearinghouse’s approval or adverse‑impact finding.

Retired General Hanson Scott (presented as the sponsor’s expert) said the measure is a narrowly focused notification requirement to strengthen local and state coordination with military installations — Cannon AFB, Holloman AFB, Kirtland AFB and White Sands Missile Range — to avoid encroachment on flight training and testing. General Scott said developers often contact bases late in the siting process and that early notice improves the chance problems are resolved before projects reach construction.

Paul Cassidy, vice chair of the Military Base Planning Commission, and other local officials spoke in support, describing the bill as a way to protect bases and local economies without imposing direct siting vetoes. Bob Carroll, vice chair of the veterans and military families caucus, provided an online endorsement and recommended a due‑pass determination.

Committee members asked whether the bill creates new regulatory authority or only a notification process; sponsor and witnesses said it is strictly a notification and coordination measure and does not change land‑use or siting authority or create a new veto. Representative Montoya and other members asked whether the notice requirement would produce memoranda of understanding or change private property rights; witnesses said the practical result sought is earlier coordination to avoid moving or canceling planned projects after costly investment.

The committee voted unanimously to advance HB 159. Supporters said the bill provides modest, early‑warning coordination intended to protect military training routes and installations while allowing renewable development to proceed.

Why it matters: New Mexico hosts major Air Force installations with low‑level training routes and test ranges. Supporters said early notice to the state commission improves the odds of resolving safety and mission compatibility questions before projects reach later permitting stages.