NM Gov Martinez Issues Drought Declaration

SANTA FE, NM – Governor Susana Martinez issued a formal drought declaration that encompasses the entire state of New Mexico.   The declaration continues the New Mexico State Drought Task Force for an additional two years and directs the State Engineer to assess the continued severity of the drought and its effects on the various sectors of the state’s resources and economy and to make recommendations to the Governor for intermediate actions and long-term strategies to mitigate drought conditions and impacts in the state.   [More]

Annual SAWC Meeting & Candidate Forum May 19, 2012

The San Augustin Water Coalition (SAWC) annual meeting will be held 1 PM, May 19, 2012 at the Datil Elementary School Gym.  Candidate forum at 2 PM.  [MORE]

New Mexico Green Industry Training Opportunity

From:

April Weitlauf
New Mexico Green Collaborative
Weitlauf Management

The State Energy Sector Partnership Program (SESP), Ta New Mexico Green Industry training opportunity, is now available to NM residents and businesses.   This training could include many 'Green Industry' opportunities including Lead Abatement Certifications, Water Harvesting Certifications, Welding (Aluminum/Steel), Bio-Fuel Certifications, OSHA trainings, Human Resource if practicing within Green Business... and more.  If you have an idea and want to ask if it would qualify for the program do not hesitate to drop me an email or just pick up the phone and give me a call, my information is listed at the bottom of this notice.

Below you will find the eligibility requirements and program description. This program is free to individuals, and under some circumstances there may be a minimal financial match to employers who would like to have their employees receive some type of upgraded training.

SESP PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY:

To be eligible for training you must be over 18 and 1) have a Social Security number, 2) have the right to work in the U.S., and 3) comply with Selective Service registration requirements (for males)
AND
Be included in one or more of the following groups:

• A veteran or qualified spouse of a veteran; 
• A high school dropout; 
• Disabled; 
• Criminal ex-offender, including juvenile; 
• Currently unemployed; 
• An incumbent worker in need of skills upgrades for a solar, wind biofuels, green building/energy efficiency green job; 
• A dislocated worker; 
• In need of updated training related to energy efficiency and renewable energy; and/or 
• Worker impacted by national energy and environmental policy. 

SESP PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

The State Energy Sector Partnership Program (SESP) is a three year, six-million dollar American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grant awarded through the U.S. Department of Labor. The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) administers the grant on behalf of the State Workforce Development Board (SWDB). Policy and oversight of the grant is the responsibility of the New Mexico Green Industry Council (GIC), which is a subcommittee of the SWDB.

A key goal of the SESP grant is to establish a statewide, systematic approach to worker training in renewable energy/energy efficiency occupations that is responsive to business and worker needs.
The New Mexico SESP grant has identified four priority industries for training workers to meet the needs of the state's green energy sector:

• Solar; 
• Wind; 
• Green Building/Energy Efficiency; and 
• Biofuels 

Training services are being provided though the State's local workforce development boards. visit your local Workforce Connection Center. Your nearest Workforce Connection Center can be found by visiting http://www.dws.state.nm.us/dws-offices.html.

Additionally, in an effort to increase the capacity of the solar, wind, green building/energy efficiency and biofuels industry sectors, and to better meet the needs of existing and incoming businesses in New Mexico, NMDWS has awarded funds to four consortia of education providers, businesses, and workforce organizations to develop statewide "Centers of Excellence" programs. The purpose of these Centers of Excellence is to enhance and expand existing green sector training programs and develop new programs in emerging green industries. The funds will assist in the development and implementation of innovative collaborations between the business, workforce, economic development and educational systems.

• Biofuels Center of Excellence - Santa Fe Community College
• Green Building/Energy Efficiency Center of Excellence - Santa Fe Community College
• Solar Center of Excellence - Central New Mexico Community College
• Wind Center of Excellence - Mesalands Community College

Best regards,

April Weitlauf
New Mexico Green Collaborative
Weitlauf Management
aweitlauf@msn.com

575-574-8994 cell