NMED News:

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Environment Department petitioned the Environmental Improvement Board last week to adopt Advanced Clean Cars and Advanced Clean Truck rules to help ensure New Mexicans have access to zero-emission and low emission vehicles like electric cars and trucks and plug-in hybrids.

Transportation is the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the state. Greenhouse gases contribute to climate change that has caused more frequent and damaging wildfires, higher temperatures, and drought throughout the state. Cars and trucks powered by fossil fuels in New Mexico contribute to our state’s air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

The Advanced Clean Cars regulations require manufacturers sell an increasing percentage of new zero-emission vehicles (vehicles that don’t emit exhaust gas or other pollutants from the onboard power source ) in New Mexico. 

By 2032 and subsequent years, 82% of new passenger cars and trucks sold in the state will have zero tailpipe emissions. These regulations also decrease the allowable level of emissions of smog-forming pollutants from internal-combustion vehicles.

Adoption of the Advanced Clean Cars regulations in New Mexico will save millions of dollars in health care costs, lost workdays, and lost years of life. The Clean Truck rules bring an increasing number of zero-emission medium and heavy-duty trucks to New Mexico, decreasing the air pollution along heavily traveled corridors, where vulnerable populations may live. 

The zero-emission vehicle rules only apply to automakers, not auto dealers or consumers. The rules do not prohibit the sale or ownership of new or used gasoline-powered vehicles.

There will be opportunities for public participation and comment. Notice of proposed rulemaking will be published in the New Mexico Register and newspapers throughout the state at least 60 days before the public hearing on the regulations, which starts the public comment period. In addition, at the public hearing, people can submit data, views or arguments orally or in writing. The date of the public hearing has not yet been set. 

Seven states have adopted Advanced Clean Cars regulations and eight states have adopted Advanced Clean Trucks regulations. Eight additional states are in the process of adopting some combination of these regulations.

View the draft rules here.