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Today, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham made a significant announcement that will have a profound impact on New Mexico's clean energy landscape. She unveiled a plan to implement some of the nation's most robust vehicle emissions rules, designed to enhance the options for zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) across all makes and models. This initiative not only aligns with the state's ambitious climate goals but also represents a significant step toward reducing air pollution in New Mexico.
The press release emphasizes that these groundbreaking rules, known as Advanced Clean Cars and Advanced Clean Trucks, will set annual targets for the sale of new zero-emission cars and trucks in our state. This mandate places a responsibility on vehicle manufacturers to provide cleaner transportation options to the people of New Mexico. Furthermore, it aims to substantially reduce smog-forming nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter emissions (PM) from traditional gasoline and diesel engines. Once fully implemented, these rules are projected to result in reductions of over 50,200 tons of NOx and 615 tons of PM.
It's essential to clarify that these rules exclusively pertain to automakers and do not impact auto dealers or consumers. New Mexicans will still have the freedom to purchase and own gasoline-powered vehicles, as there is no prohibition on their sale or ownership.
One significant benefit of adopting these rules is that New Mexico will be at the forefront of receiving zero-emission cars and trucks from leading auto manufacturers. This will undoubtedly accelerate the transition towards a cleaner, more sustainable transportation ecosystem in our state. These clean vehicle rules complement the existing Clean Cars rule adopted by the Environmental Improvement Board and the Albuquerque-Bernalillo Air Quality Control Board in 2022.
Under the visionary leadership of Governor Lujan Grisham, New Mexico has already distinguished itself as a national leader in equitable and sustainable transportation. Some noteworthy accomplishments include allocating over $12 million in Volkswagen settlement funds, resulting in a reduction of over 110,000 pounds of pollution annually. The state has also invested $38 million annually for five years to expand electric vehicle charging stations and infrastructure, earning New Mexico a ranking of 16th in the nation for charging station accessibility.
Additionally, New Mexico has taken significant strides toward establishing itself as a clean hydrogen hub for power generation and transportation. The application for $1.25 billion in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Energy highlights our commitment to advancing clean energy technologies.
Furthermore, the state's commitment to education is evident through initiatives like free certificate programs, free associate degrees, and free bachelor's degrees offered through the opportunity scholarship. All these efforts underscore New Mexico's dedication to a sustainable future.
The New Mexico Environment Department will soon provide more comprehensive details about the rulemaking process. Stay tuned as we embark on this exciting journey towards a cleaner, greener New Mexico. Together, we can drive positive change, improve air quality, and contribute to a more sustainable future for our state and its residents.