As 2023 ended, a notable win electrified the environmental landscape in New Mexico as the state celebrated the adoption of Clean Cars and Trucks standards. This triumph underscored the collaborative efforts of advocates and set the stage for a brighter climate future for New Mexico’s communities.
The story of this success didn’t unfold in isolation; it is built upon the progress of WRA’s previous win in Colorado, where a similar commitment to zero-emission vehicles was made.
Colorado’s Air Quality Control Commission unanimously approved the Colorado Clean Car rule last October which mandates that 82% of new vehicles sold in the state must be zero-emission by 2032. Thanks to WRA’s advocacy, the commission is requiring a second rulemaking by 2029 for the later years of the rule, establishing a clear and legally enforceable pathway for Colorado to reach 100% zero-emission vehicle sales in 2035.
With Colorado on a path to clean transportation, WRA’s team harnessed the momentum to drive home a win in New Mexico too – an effort that was a long time in the making.
WRA helped formed the Climate Advocates Coalition in early 2022 and took the lead in pushing for these regulations in New Mexico. The coalition made it a priority to assemble diverse voices to speak to the need for these rules.
We are a community of diverse faith traditions and spiritual perspectives seeking to care for our common home. It was wonderful to see that the strength of such diversity was reflected in our coalition and in our collective work toward the climate, health, and equity justice outcomes these clean vehicle standards address.
The coalition began engaging with the New Mexico Environment Department to advocate for the adoption of the ACCII and Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) regulations, and the complementary Heavy-Duty Low NOx Omnibus (HDO) standards. They also urged the governor to take prompt action in 2023.
As the dual hearings before the New Mexico Environmental Improvement Board and the Albuquerque-Bernalillo County Air Quality Control Board approached, WRA’s preparation was exhaustive. The team submitted detailed direct and rebuttal testimony, analyzing the impacts of adopting the regulations specific to New Mexico in terms of greenhouse gas reductions, air quality benefits, and a cost-benefit analysis. They meticulously responded to arguments made by opposing parties and assisted coalition attorneys in developing cross-examination questions.
The coalition faced its share of challenges, especially when contending with opposing auto dealers who presented misleading testimony without citations. WRA responded with a carefully crafted rebuttal, backed by thorough research and facts. The auto dealers even attempted to introduce new evidence during the hearings, but the coalition’s lawyers swiftly objected, ensuring a fair and evidence-based decision-making process.
The hearings themselves were a testament to the power of advocacy with 80 comments in support of the proposed rules. Advocates played a crucial role in organizing these community voices.
“Our email campaign saw incredible engagement,” said Lynn Warren, WRA’s digital engagement specialist. “This indicates to me that people in New Mexico are eager to take positive climate action, particularly around pollution and affordable, clean technology – through digital advocacy and physically showing up to give public comment.”
Dr. Paul Charlton, board chair of New Mexico Health Professionals for Climate Action, presented compelling testimony, highlighting the severe health impacts of fossil fuel use. His emotional presentation, coupled with evidence from mainstream medical journals and his personal story of his young son suffering an asthma attack, underscored the urgency of addressing climate change and air pollution through transportation electrification.
WRA’s guidance coordinating our data and stories around a shared, hopeful message to advance an issue that will benefit New Mexico and New Mexicans was key to these rules being adopted.
Late into the evening of Nov. 16, 2023, the boards voted to adopt these critical standards, with the Environmental Improvement Board voting in support with a narrow 3-2 margin. Like Colorado, the rule included the requirement that 82% of new vehicles sold in the state by 2032 be zero-emission. The victory marked a significant milestone for WRA and the residents of New Mexico. The adoption of ACCII, ACT, and HDO regulations in a single hearing represented a monumental achievement (and the biggest state-level action a state can take).
