Environmental Policy and Management

TXNM Energy is dedicated to protecting our environment and complying with all regulations. We recognize and believe in the importance of protecting human health and preserving the environment. We accomplish this through careful planning, strong policies, robust controls and excellent operations. Read more from our Environmental Policy.

Environmental Management System

PNM and TNMP continue to be leaders in the utility industry for minimizing and mitigating the environmental impacts of utility work by having a strong Environmental Management System (EMS), which is rooted in our Environmental Policy and was developed based upon the international ISO 14001 standard for EMS. Under the plan-do-check-act framework of our corporate EMS, compliance audits are conducted based upon a risk analysis which considers type of facility/activity, complexity, and permitting. These audits are done under a partnership between Internal Audit and Environmental Services with findings reported to the TXNM Energy Board of Directors. Internal audits of power plant-specific environmental management systems occur biennially.

The overall goal of the EMS is to ensure continuous improvement in the Company's environmental performance and foster a Company‐wide environmental stewardship ethic. Our EMS tools ensure that all Company employees incorporate environmental stewardship in their daily activities. The foundation of the EMS is the Environmental Screening Process used in all operational areas. Before fieldwork or new projects begin, the activities are screened to identify potential issues associated with compliance requirements and resource protection. These issues include:

habitat and threatened and endangered species,
water and riparian area sensitivities,
cultural resources, and
federal, state, tribal and local jurisdictional requirements and permitting

If an issue is identified, work does not proceed until environmental clearance, containing adequate and appropriate precautions, stipulations and permits, has been issued. This system has allowed the Company to establish a significant database of environmental and culturally sensitive areas in New Mexico and Texas, using existing government resources as well as data the Company has specifically collected or funded. The Company also requires regular comprehensive environmental training for operational employees and some contractors at least every two years.

Environmental Justice

In 2022, PNM launched development of an environmental justice (EJ) review process to further consider the environmental and social impacts of PNM programs and projects on the communities we serve, especially disadvantaged communities. Investment into infrastructure has traditionally targeted business and industrial areas, as well as newer constructed homes and developments, often leaving disadvantaged communities behind. PNM is using EPA’s EJScreen V. 2.2 to identify communities with EJ concerns to assist in developing a deployment strategy for system upgrades, modifications and builds. Promoting this work through the EJ review process will guide PNM in prioritizing where grid modernization programs such as advanced metering should begin first with a focus on helping those in need receive the early benefits of smarter electricity usage and lower costs.