ABQ Times

As the Trump administration enacts policies affecting environmental protections, Mayor Tim Keller of Albuquerque has taken a stand in defense of sustainability and public health. In response to President Trump's new executive order, which supports the coal industry and diminishes clean energy advancements, Mayor Keller has issued his own executive order to uphold the city’s commitment to environmental justice and climate resilience.

"If Trump wants to govern by executive order, then so will we, only ours protects people, not polluters," declared Mayor Keller. "We’re stealing his playbook and rewriting it for Albuquerque, because this is how we defend our city, our climate, and our future."

President Trump's recent executive order aims to increase fossil fuel development, permit coal mining on federal lands, and weaken protections for clean air and water. These measures, critics argue, endanger vulnerable communities, increase climate risks, and threaten the long-term wellbeing and competitiveness of U.S. cities.

In contrast, Mayor Keller’s executive order proposes a comprehensive plan for advancing environmental justice and accelerating the transition to renewable energy, with a focus on historically underserved communities. The signing took place at the 2025 Electrify New Mexico Conference, which gathers policymakers, and business leaders to support renewable energy and climate resilience.

Mayor Keller’s order includes initiatives such as transitioning away from fossil fuels in municipal buildings, achieving 100% renewable energy for municipal operations by the end of 2025, aligning city policies with net-zero emissions by 2050, and prioritizing frontline communities in climate adaptation efforts. These efforts involve the development of heat-resilient housing, equitable green infrastructure, and public health preparedness, amplifying community voices in environmental decision-making, and opposing federal actions that hinder local sustainability efforts.

"Cities like Albuquerque are once again being forced to lead where Washington fails, but we won’t let a return to fossil-fueled thinking derail our progress," stated Mayor Keller. "We’re staying the course for clean air, for public health, and for a future where every family has a shot at a healthy life."

Further information on the impact of the Trump administration's policies and the City of Albuquerque's responses can be found on the Defend ABQ dashboard.