What Do Dealerships Think About New Mexico's Clean Car Rules?
Jane Lu
· 3 min read
New Mexico is looking to adopt clean car rules by 2022. This follows the lead of many other states that have signaled a similar push towards
electric vehicles
(EV) and an emissions-free future. Currently, the state is looking for input from the public, according to
KRQE
. Here’s what you need to know about the new rules, how residents will be able to share their thoughts, and what dealers think about the proposals. 
What are New Mexico’s proposed clean car rules?
The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) found that emissions from cars are the second-largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. The clean car rules would require car dealers to sell a set number of low or zero-emission cars, according to KRQE.
NMED Spokesperson Maddy Hayden said that this doesn’t mean people have to give up their existing vehicles; this only applies to new vehicles. The clean car rules can help get rid of almost 2 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions by 2023. This is the equivalent of removing about 200,000 cars a year off the roads.
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How can the public share their input?
MORE: Joe Biden Just Signaled a Dramatic Change for the Auto Industry
The first meeting for input is scheduled for July 21. A press release from the
NMED
said that this virtual meeting will give the public more information on the collaboration between the state of New Mexico and the city of Albuquerque. The meeting will include an overview of NMED’s rule-making process and a question-and-answer period for participants. More hearings and public meetings will take place in the summer and fall.
In the release, NMED Cabinet Secretary James Kenney said that "We are fully committed to a transparent process that includes input from the public, industry,
environmental groups and other stakeholders to ensure the rule is comprehensive, fair and effective."
Dealers don’t think New Mexico is ready for the new rules
James Santistevan, the owner of Zia Auto, said "I don’t believe we’re ready for the electric vehicles yet." According to Santistevan, EVs are being sold but the battery life and other charging infrastructure issues mean demand isn’t quite there yet.
He added that New Mexico isn’t ready for a wave of low emission cars. "There’s definitely some charging stations but it’s not compared to Colorado, Texas, Phoenix. We just don’t have it yet," Santistevan said.
Santistevan believes that if New Mexico wants more residents to buy green cars, they can follow the lead of California and offer incentives. While the state moves towards new clean car rules, any proposed policies will have to take into account what will encourage consumer adoption of EVs.
In the meantime, if you’ve already made the switch to electric,
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