The 50th Anniversary of Earth Day

All the hives in the community are abuzz with exciting activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22. In honor of Earth Month, everyone can join the coalition of Santa Fe area organizations and concerned citizens that are building on the global theme of  "Climate Action" with boots-on-the-ground projects to make a difference. With the adoption of Resolution 2020-22, Santa Fe County is looking toward this important collective purpose with a three pronged approach - a planting project in each Commission district beginning in April, tracking climate action pledges, and a collective celebration on April 26th at the Santa Fe Railyard Park.

Sustainability, Open Space and Trails, and County Commissioners will work together with hundreds of volunteers to create pollinator-friendly wildlife habitats, increase tree canopy, and prevent soil erosion while building healthy soil in all five County commission districts, including the Santa Fe River at San Isidro Crossing, Pojoaque Valley Recreation Complex, the Hondo Fire Station, and the Eldorado community center complex.  These projects will benefit the community in the ways that the Earth's #1 ecosystem designer - nature - does best by offering up adaptive, resilient solutions to support the miraculous diversity of life. To be a part of this action in your district, contact the County Sustainability Office today at sustainability@santafecountynm.gov.

Do you know of an Earth Month event that you would like others to know about?  Register it here!. 

State Solar Market Development Income Tax Credit (SB29) Supplements Declining Federal Tax Credit 

If you were waiting for the stars to align before purchasing your solar system... wait no more!  This week Governor Lujan-Grisham signed SB29- the Solar Market Development Income Tax Credit making this the time to solarize your residence or business. In addition to the falling costs of photo-voltaic systems and the federal tax credit of 26% and the exemption from NM gross receipt tax, now the state has added an up-to-10% state tax credit in addition. The new credit applies to:

• Systems installed after March 1, 2020
• 10% of any residential, commercial and agricultural installation (with a maximum of $6000 per installation)
• Both solar thermal and solar photo-voltaic technology

Let the County sustainability team help your get into sun-power!

What Can I Do?  2020 Vision - Convert Bare Ground to Soil!

Did you know that water vapor is the #1 greenhouse gas and that warmer global temperature increases water vapor content?  While the complex interaction between water vapor and land use is the subject of ongoing research, soil ecologist rock star Dr. Christine Jones from Australia presented her compelling research at the Regenerative Agriculture Day 2020 on the promise of soil health. To build healthy soil scientists and conservationists recommend: 1) build soil armor (e.g. mulch) 2) minimize soil disturbance 3) increase plant diversity 4) cover the ground with plants year round and 5) integrate managed livestock grazing. Learn more at http://www.nmhealthysoil.org/.