Senate passes landmark Clean Fuel Standard
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Feb. 13, 2024
Contact: Matthew Maez, Communications Director
New Mexico Environment Department
505.670.8911 | matthew.maez@env.nm.gov
Senate passes landmark Clean Fuel Standard
Legislation headed to Governor’s desk for signing
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Senate today passed historic legislation aimed at decreasing toxic greenhouse gas emissions across the state.
Clean Transportation Fuels Standard, HB41, now heads to the Governor’s Desk, where Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is expected to sign the legislation into law.
“After four years of working on this legislation, New Mexico is ready for clean fuels,” said Environment Department Deputy Cabinet Secretary Sydney Lienemann . “Clean fuels will bring good paying jobs to all corners of our state while reducing air pollution and incentivizing new technologies for transportation.”
“New Mexicans deserve to reap the economic benefits of the nation’s growing clean energy economy and health benefits of breathing clean air in their daily lives,” said Environment Protection Division Director Michelle Miano . “We wouldn’t have gotten here without the tireless efforts of our sponsors, Representative Ortez, Representative Chandler, Representative Lara, and Senator Stewart, and all who helped inform how to make this legislation work for all New Mexicans.”
Passage of clean fuel standards would not have been possible without the contributions of community, consumer advocacy, and environmental organizations, as well as utilities, businesses, and various chambers of commerce.
“I appreciate the expertise that our stakeholders throughout New Mexico brought to the table for successful passage of this bill,” said Climate Bureau Chief Claudia Borchert . “I look forward to working with the diverse members of the advisory council to draft rules that grow our clean energy economy and improve health outcomes for New Mexicans.”
The clean fuel standard will help decrease greenhouse gas emissions, along with the added benefit of decreasing co-pollutants that harm human health. Under the program, producers and importers of low-carbon fuels generate clean fuels credits to sell in the clean fuels market. Producers and importers of high-carbon fuels must purchase clean fuels credits for their fuels to be used in the state.
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