Legislation to Empower New Mexico to Strengthen Air, Water and Climate Protections Passes Senate

(Santa Fe, NM – March 12, 2021) Today, New Mexico Senators passed Senate Bill 8, a critical bill that would empower environmental regulators in New Mexico to strengthen health and climate protections by curbing toxic air pollutants, slashing dangerous climate emissions, safeguarding drinking water from pollution and strengthening cleanup standards. The bill would undo antiquated state laws that prevent the state’s Environmental Improvement Board and local air quality boards from adopting regulations stronger than the federal government.

“Senate Bill 8 is vital legislation that empowers New Mexicans to make decisions about the health, clean air and water of the people of New Mexico. Thank you to Majority Leader Wirth and Senator Lopez for championing this legislation and to the New Mexico Senate for approval of this important bill.”

• Jon Goldstein, Director of Regulatory & Legislative Affairs at EDF

Read this fact sheet to learn more about the bill.