361 | How New Mexico is Supporting Clean Tech Startups with Rebecca Puck Stair

For four decades, Rebecca “Puck” Stair has built teams to tackle complex, high-profile, high-dollar projects. In 2023, she came to the New Mexico state energy office after two decades in the New Mexico film industry, where she worked as a producer and location manager on over a hundred films, television shows, commercials and other media projects, including podcasts and conferences for the Franciscan monk Father Richard Rohr. In 2020, she ran for NM Senate, and subsequently served as a policy analyst for our House of Representatives Consumer & Public Affairs Committee. For two years, Stair served as president of New Mexico’s largest film crew union, IATSE Local 480. Stair graduated Cum Laude from Amherst College with a BA in English Literature, and completed some graduate study in linguistics at Georgetown University. Between championing clean-energy projects for the state, she rides horses, skis, races triathlons, and other questionable activities that require helmets.


This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of the host, Paul Zelizer. Consider a Strategy Session if you can use support growing your impact business.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

Awarepreneurs Interview Transcript with Rebecca Puck Stair, Director of the New Mexico Energy Office

NOTE: While it’s not perfect, we offer this transcript and the below summaries by Castmagic for those who are hearing impaired or who don’t find listening to a podcast enjoyable or possible.

You can read the full transcript of this episode here

Key Topics in Interview with Rebecca Puck Stair on How New Mexico is Supporting Clean Tech Startups

Introduction to Awarepreneurs Podcast

  1. Guest Introduction: Rebecca Puck Stair

    • Background in building teams for complex projects

    • Transition from New Mexico film industry to State Energy Office

    • Roles and experience in politics and unions

    • Personal interests and activities

  2. New Mexico's Support for Clean Tech Startups

    • Introduction to New Mexico's energy potential and resources

    • Explanation of the Permanent Fund and its impact

    • Transition from oil and gas to renewable energy

  3. State Energy Office Role and Puck's Appointment

    • Puck's journey to becoming the Director

    • Importance of being a generalist during systemic change

  4. Current Clean Tech Ecosystem in New Mexico (2025)

    • Overview of clean tech developments and technologies

    • Details on renewable energy sources: wind, solar, geothermal

    • Implementation of smart grid technologies

    • Community solar projects and their significance

  5. Future Prospects for Clean Tech in New Mexico

    • Anticipated developments in battery and storage technology

    • Geothermal electricity advancements

    • Smart grid innovations and virtual power plants

  6. Funding and Incentives for Clean Tech

    • Overview of available tax credits, loans, and grants

    • Specific programs for residential, municipal, and entrepreneurial projects

    • Federal programs and partnerships

  7. Examples of Entrepreneurial Successes

    • Geothermal companies leveraging resources and partnerships

    • Community involvement in clean tech initiatives

  8. Upcoming Atomic 66 Event

    • Description and significance of the event

    • Focus on climate and advanced energy track

  9. Guidance for Entrepreneurs

    • Resources and support from the State Energy Office

    • Importance of connecting with experts and accessing information

  10. Closing Remarks

    • Inspiration and call for collaborative problem-solving

    • Contact information for further engagement with the State Energy Office

Paul Zelizer