LAS CRUCES, N.M. -- Monday kicked off the two-day conference called “Re-energize America.” In all, the conference, which is being held at New Mexico State University, will see over 500 attendees from all over the state. The reason for the conference is simple.

“The focus is on the new energy economy and the combination of our existing energy economy, which is oil and gas extracted, but looking towards the future of the alternative energies,” said New Mexico Lt. Gov. Diane Denish.

All over the country, universities, corporations, laboratories and many other organizations are trying to make this nation less dependent on oil and overall a lot more eco-friendly. In that on-going battle, the U.S. Secretary of Energy, Dr. Steven Chu, would say the land of enchantment is doing its role.

“New Mexico is many respects one of the leaders in the United States,” said Chu.

There seem to be many reasons for that.

“Of the alternative energies of solar, wind, biomass, bio diesel, geo thermal all of those things, we think position New Mexico to be the leader of the 21st century when dealing with the energy economy,” said Denish. Which means the overall state's economy could see a boom with future developments and research of energy sources.

“Our goal is to begin to bring jobs and develop energy businesses. Hopefully in New Mexico, southern New Mexico preferably, but nonetheless be in the business of developing new jobs,” said Director of NMSU Institute for Energy and the Environment Dr. Abbas Ghassemi.

It’s not just the whole state of New Mexico that's at the forefront for the nation’s ongoing energy solution, but universities like NMSU.

“New Mexico State University is taking the lead in exploring all the various options that exist with bringing energy independence into fruition,” said Ghassemi.