Tucson Standard

U.S. Congressmen Juan Ciscomani and Gabe Vasquez came together today to express their excitement and celebrate the recent funding for the Southline Transmission Project. This project aims to construct a 175-mile transmission line from Hidalgo County, New Mexico to Pima County, Arizona, unlocking renewable energy resources in the Desert Southwest region.

Ciscomani, representing Arizona's 6th district, expressed his pride in securing the funds for the project and his commitment to ensuring its success. He stated, "The Southline Transmission Project will be transformative in accessing clean and reliable energy in both my district and Rep. Vasquez's district. I was proud to play a role in securing these funds and pleased to see the federal government prioritize this project and Cochise County on the national level."

Vasquez, representing New Mexico's 2nd district, emphasized the importance of improving the state's transmission capacity to integrate renewable energy sources. He highlighted the project's role in fostering interstate collaboration, stating, "This pipeline between New Mexico and Arizona is a great example of successful regional collaboration, enhancing energy connectivity and resource sharing across state lines."

Both congressmen actively advocated for the Southline Transmission Project. Ciscomani, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, sent a letter to the Department of Energy (DOE) in September, advocating for the project's inclusion in the Transmission Facilitation Program (TFP). This advocacy played a crucial role in securing the project's selection nationally. Ciscomani also joined Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm for the project's announcement in Cochise County earlier this month.

Vasquez also sent a letter to the DOE in support of the Southline Transmission Project. Additionally, he recently announced $41.4 million for advanced carbon capture innovation at New Mexico Tech, demonstrating his commitment to a renewable energy future.

The Southline Transmission Project's funding was made possible through the DOE's TFP. This project is one of three nationwide to receive funding, highlighting its significance in addressing the need for increased transfer capability and unlocking renewable energy resources in the Desert Southwest region.

With the construction of the Southline Transmission Project, both Arizona and New Mexico will benefit from increased access to clean and reliable energy. This collaboration between Ciscomani and Vasquez showcases the importance of bipartisan efforts in advancing sustainable energy solutions.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://ciscomani.house.gov/media/press-releases/ciscomani-vasquez-celebrate-new-funding-southline-transmission-project