New Mexico is taking the lead in reducing air pollution from vehicles by adopting new Vehicle Emission Standards. The Clean Car Rule, adopted in 2022, requires auto manufacturers to deliver more zero-emission trucks and passenger vehicles for sale in New Mexico. This includes light-duty trucks, pickups, and SUVs.
Graph showing a decreasing trend in emissions
Truck Emission Standards and the Clean Car Rule
The Clean Car Rule establishes low and zero emission standards for new cars and trucks sold in New Mexico. The goal is to improve air quality, provide consumers with more vehicle choices, save costs, and protect the environment.
The rule includes two types of standards:
- Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) Standards: Require new vehicles to produce fewer greenhouse gases and other harmful air pollutants.
- Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Standards: Require manufacturers to sell a minimum number of zero-emission vehicles, including battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
Electric truck being charged at a charging station
Impact of Truck Emission Standards on the Environment
Pollution from transportation accounts for a significant portion of New Mexico’s greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to the state’s growing ozone problem. Ground-level ozone pollution causes respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses, disproportionately impacting vulnerable populations. Adopting new emission standards for trucks and other vehicles will significantly improve air quality, particularly in densely populated urban areas.
Collaboration and Community Engagement
The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) and the City of Albuquerque collaborated to develop and implement the Clean Car Rule. The process included multiple public comment periods and hearings to ensure transparency and community involvement.
Public meeting about emission standards
Vision for the Future
Clean Cars New Mexico is part of a broader statewide effort to reduce pollution and address climate change. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s executive order on climate change sets a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030. Truck emission standards play a crucial role in achieving this goal, working towards a future with cleaner air for New Mexicans.
Conclusion
Truck emission standards in New Mexico are a significant step forward in protecting the environment and public health. The adoption of the Clean Car Rule not only reduces air pollution but also promotes the growth of the electric vehicle industry and provides more choices for consumers. New Mexico is setting a standard for other states to follow in the effort towards a more sustainable future.
