U.S. Sen. Tom Udall of New Mexico says the nation needs more energy research and development.
Udall spoke to a joint session of the Legislature on Monday and said New Mexico is poised to be a leader in creating jobs from clean energy production.
The Democratic senator said national laboratories in the state can serve as centers for development of clean energy technology.
Udall said private companies have reduced energy research and development, but he suggested that more can be encouraged if the federal government requires utilities to use more renewable energy such as wind, solar and geothermal.
Udall said he plans to introduce legislation that would mandate utilities get 25 percent of their power from renewable sources.