Dec. 20—Do you have an opinion on the state’s upcoming clean fuel program? Now’s the time to speak up.
The New Mexico Environment Department on Thursday released its discussion draft rule on the clean transportation fuel program. State officials approved rolling out such a program earlier this year, allowing New Mexico to create a market that incentivizes the use, production and importation of low-carbon transportation fuels.
The goal ultimately is to reduce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector, which is New Mexico’s second-largest emissions source.
The Environment Department opened an online public comment portal, where anyone can submit feedback on the proposed rule until Jan. 17. The portal can be found at nmed.commentinput.com/comment/search.
New Mexicans can also attend public meetings in January to learn more about the draft rule. The Environment Department is hosting an in-person meeting Monday, Jan. 6, at the Albuquerque International District Library, 7601 Central NE, which starts at 4:30 p.m., as well as a virtual meeting on Jan. 10. from noon to 1:30 p.m.
“New Mexico continues to lead on strategies to protect our planet from climate change while also creating the dynamic new clean energy jobs of the future,” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said in a statement.
The Environment Department plans to petition the Environmental Improvement Board in February, spokesperson Drew Goretzka said. That’s an entity within the department that must approve most NMED rules before implementation.
The board will hold a hearing on the rule, which will provide another chance for public comment.
The rules must go into effect by July 2026, according to the law that adopted the program.
The full draft rule can be found online at service.web.env.nm.gov/urls/mdXHJqrs.