NGVAmerica Applauds Passage of New Mexico Clean Fuel Standard

Washington, DC – NGVAmerica today applauded passage of New Mexico House Bill 41, legislation that establishes a Clean Fuels Standard (CFS) program in the state to enable additional revenue streams for New Mexico and clean jobs for New Mexicans while reducing the life cycle carbon intensity of transportation fuels. The bill passed the New Mexico House of Representatives on February 3^rd and cleared the Senate on February 13^th. It now moves on for signage into law by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham who has indicated her support.

“There is no one solution to the pressing environmental issues facing our transportation sector,” said NGVAmerica President Dan Gage. “New Mexico policy makers have wisely realized the importance of advancing an ‘all of the above’ approach to decarbonizing heavy-duty transportation using the most advanced technology and cleanest fuels available today. We need multiple clean fuel solutions like renewable natural gas to affect those transport sectors nearly impossible to electrify.”

Commercial fleets driving trucks fueled by renewable natural gas (RNG) can achieve a carbon-negative transportation outcome. Transitioning to RNG-fueled trucks saves money, slashes emissions, and deploys new, affordable, clean, and compliant technology without delay and without compromising business operations. More and more fleets are discovering just how RNG is achieving better than zero results immediately.

New Mexico’s new Clean Fuel Standard will also reduce methane emissions – a potent short-lived climate pollutant – in the state, something key to addressing climate change. By capturing these methane emissions and converting them into transportation fuel, the state is incentivizing the buildout of new RNG production facilities.

New Mexico has an abundance of crop, dairy, and other animal farms, some of which are already producing RNG and other bio and renewable fuels, providing economic opportunity for many rural areas of New Mexico.  RNG made from animal waste has the lowest carbon intensity of any fuels including electricity and hydrogen.

“Clean Fuel Standards preserve vehicle choice and provide new revenue streams for farmers and municipalities as they work to better minimize their environmental footprint,” added Gage. “NGVAmerica members salute Representative Kristina Ortez, Senator Mimi Stewart, and the New Mexico Environment Department for their leadership.”

New Mexico joins a growing list of states interested in Clean Fuel Standards and advancing RNG-fueled transportation. California, Oregon, and Washington State currently have programs in operation. Legislatures in Hawaii, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey and New York have active bills under consideration; others including Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania are studying the issue.

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NGVAmerica is a national trade association of sustainability solutionists and experts in the clean transportation field. Our roughly 200 members are dedicated to the development of a growing, profitable, and sustainable market for vehicles, ships and carriers powered by natural gas and biomethane. NGVAmerica member companies produce, distribute, and market natural gas and biomethane across North America, manufacture and service natural gas vehicles, engines, and equipment, and operate fleets powered by clean-burning gaseous fuels. Find out more at: ngvamerica.org.