By Katie Logisz
June 19, 2006

Addressing a Sunday morning plenary session, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson told the mayors they are “… the lifeblood of this country that don’t get the appreciation, political accolades, and support that you deserve.”

“The gravity of power and innovation is in the states and in the cities,” stated Richardson before delving into four specific issues.

According to Richardson, foreign energy dependency will become the number one problem for both domestic and national security, and actions to solve the energy crisis in our nation must begin at the local level. Richardson cited Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson and Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels for their work on climate change and in building momentum with other cities, and said that similar actions need to be taken in regards to energy, which could have a stronger impact than passing a bill nationally.

Richardson gave four examples of what needs to be accomplished to alleviate the energy crisis. First, he proposed that the country should adopt a staged requirement that all gas contain 10 percent ethanol by 2010, noting that this alone would reduce imports by 5 percent. He also proposed setting new fuel efficiency standards to 40 mpg. Second, looking at the Energy Bill, Richardson believes that the billions in tax credits awarded to energy companies should be reinvested in initiatives researching renewable technologies, making energy companies a part of the solution. Third, Richardson stated that the U.S. needs to develop a national renewable portfolio standard, much like many states, such as New Mexico, have already adopted. Finally, the country needs to invest in electricity storage research.

In regards to the debate on immigration, Richardson expressed support for Arizona Senator John McCain’s bipartisan approach in the Senate, calling the House bill “disastrous, regressive, and repressive.” According to Richardson, “No bill is better than a bad bill,” further declaring that it’s time for the President to step in and bring people together.

As the governor of a border state, he named some steps that must be accomplished including increased border security, more agents, and more and better equipment. If businesses are hiring illegal immigrants, then those businesses must face the consequences. Richardson said that Mexico must make improvements within its own borders and share the responsibility of border patrol. Finally, Richardson agrees with the McCain plan of earned legalization by meeting a series of requirements, such as learning the English language, paying back-taxes, and submitting to a fine for illegal entry. Richardson did note that these requirements must apply to all immigrants, including those from Europe.

Speaking to poverty, Richardson stressed the need for the nation “…to find a way to deal with those who don’t make enough to afford adequate housing and healthcare.” One idea posed was the raising of the national minimum wage, which has held at $5.15 for the last several years. He also raised the idea of incentives for private sector companies who do something to alleviate poverty in our cities. The example provided was that of tax incentives for developers who create affordable housing, provide job training, or work in poor neighborhoods.

Governor Richardson last spoke about Iran, stating, “I am of the belief that when you have a problem, you talk to your adversary.” Richardson believes that the U.S. is now moving in that direction. He noted that Iran is not Iraq and is a major power in the region that we cannot ignore. Richardson stated a fear of outsourcing foreign policy to the Europeans or United Nations, when in actuality he believes that the U.S. can “engage directly whether it’s with North Korea or whether it’s with Iran and talk these things through, bargain, and compromise without giving in on our principles.”