Matrix developed the State of New Mexico Renewable Energy and Compatible Use Web Tool (the “Tool”) to assess and address renewable energy and energy transmission impacts to military and air operations across the State. To meet the goal of 100% carbon-free energy generation by 2045, the State will need to expand transmission line infrastructure and continue to implement productive renewable energy policies. As renewable energy development opportunities continue to expand, issues of compatibility with military training, testing, and operations, as well as with weather and surveillance radar, will require greater coordination. In Fiscal Year 2017, the military value to New Mexico exceeded $3.1 billion, contributing more than 23,500 military jobs. Protecting the military mission and ensuring the State can meet its renewable energy goals will require ongoing coordination and collaboration.

Matrix collaborated with stakeholders from across the State, including seven Councils of Government, state agencies, counties, and municipalities, as well as Kirtland Air Force Base (AFB), Cannon AFB, Holloman AFB, White Sands Missile Range, and Fort Bliss. We reviewed state legislation and permitting processes for energy projects, conducted comprehensive reviews of ordinances and permitting processes from every county and municipality in New Mexico and surrounding states, and analyzed current and planned renewable energy projects and transmission lines. The in-depth evaluations ultimately supported recommendations for early notification, policy change, and model ordinance development.  

To assist decision-makers throughout the State and in the military, Matrix developed the customized, geospatial Tool. It displays renewable energy opportunities, airspace obstructions, state leases, land ownership, military compatibility areas, environmental data, and public lands, allowing users to identify renewable energy opportunities based on a set of criteria and locations where potential projects might require early consultation with the military. The Tool provides points of contact to facilitate consultation. It encourages proactive coordination between equity stakeholders by visualizing where renewable energy development siting will have limited impacts on military operations and identifying areas where operations are susceptible to moderate to severe impacts. Taking advantage of Esri’s ArcGIS Enterprise technology, the Tool seamlessly integrates different databases, geoprocessing functionality, and a visually appealing, graphical user interface (GUI) for easy access. It also contains several custom models to identify opportunities and constraints based on the concept of spatial proximity, with users able to provide spatial information on potential projects and receive real-time feedback.

Matrix developed supporting materials for the Tool, including a project website, a Military Compatibility Report detailing findings and recommendations, and a User Guide document and video. A notable success, the Tool was in demand for project siting reviews during beta testing.