The state of New Mexico has adopted clean cars rules that will go into effect for model year 2026.
The recent move was taken by the state’s Environmental Improvement Board along with the City of Albuquerque and the Bernalillo County Air Quality Control Board following public hearings held earlier in the week.
The Clean Car Rule will go into effect for model year 2026, arriving in showrooms in 2025. With expected incentives in the approved rule, electric vehicles could begin to fill showrooms as early as July 2022. The NM Clean Cars Clean Air coalition of over 35 organizations across the state supported the rules.
Transportation is the second-largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, harming New Mexico’s air and environment. Transportation-related pollutants are linked to many adverse health effects, including decreases in lung function, inflammation of airways, aggravated asthma, increased risk of cancer, damage to the immune system, and neurological, reproductive, developmental, and other health problems.
The Clean Car Standards consist of the Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) program and the Low-Emission Vehicle (LEV) standards. ZEV standards ensure that automakers make increasing numbers of plug-in hybrid and fully electric vehicles available for sale in New Mexico. LEV standards require that automakers manufacture cars that emit fewer greenhouse gases and harmful air pollutants.
In April, the New Mexico Clean Cars Clean Air Coalition, consisting of more than 35 businesses, nonprofit organizations, local agencies, and unions, released a letter supporting the rulemaking process. The coalition applauds this action by the administrations of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Mayor Tim Keller.
Source: press release
