SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO (AP) -- New Mexicans can qualify for a $200 rebate for buying certain energy-efficient appliances starting Thursday.

Gov. Bill Richardson and other state officials announced the rebate program Monday at a Santa Fe business.

Rebates will be available on a first-come, first-served basis for New Mexico residents who buy Energy Star qualified clothes washers, refrigerators or a natural gas furnace from a retailer in the state.

New Mexico is using $1.6 million in federal economic stimulus money for the rebate program. Unlike in some states, there is no advance reservation of a rebate. People must mail in rebate applications, which they can obtain from a retailer or online from a web site of the Department of Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources.

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