Sarah Propst

Sarah Cottrell Propst is the outgoing Cabinet Secretary for the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) of New Mexico. She has served in this role since January 2019, following her appointment by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. Propst's tenure is noted for significant advancements in clean energy initiatives and environmental stewardship within the state.

Career Overview

• Leadership Role: As Cabinet Secretary, Propst oversaw various divisions including Energy Conservation & Management, Forestry, Mining & Minerals, Oil Conservation, and State Parks. She was instrumental in implementing the Energy Transition Act of 2019, which aims for zero-carbon electricity in New Mexico by 2045.12
• Environmental Achievements: Under her leadership, New Mexico's renewable energy generation reached 42% of in-state production in 2022. She also facilitated the establishment of the Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund, a permanent source of conservation funding for the state.13
• Previous Experience: Before her role at EMNRD, Propst was the Executive Director of the Interwest Energy Alliance and served as Deputy Cabinet Secretary at the New Mexico Environment Department. Her career began as a Research Fellow with the Pew Center on Global Climate Change.23

Education and Personal Interests

Propst holds a Master of Public Affairs from Princeton University and an AB from Davidson College. She is actively involved in outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and paddling.2

Future Endeavors

As of November 2023, it was announced that she will be leaving her position at EMNRD at the end of December 2023 to join the American Clean Power Association as Vice President of State Affairs, starting in January 2024. In this new role, she will lead state advocacy efforts related to clean energy policy across the United States.134