With Governor’s Signature, Critical Legislation Empowering New Mexico to Strengthen Air, Water and Climate Protections Becomes Law

(Santa Fe, N.M.) New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham today signed Senate Bill 8, a critical bill that will empower environmental regulators in New Mexico to strengthen health and climate protections, bolster the New Mexico Environment Department’s authority to address methane and smog-forming volatile organic compound pollution from the oil and gas industry, and strengthen cleanup standards for hazardous waste.

The bill undoes antiquated state laws that prevent the state’s Environmental Improvement Board and local air quality boards from adopting regulations stronger than those from the federal government.

Additional background on the bill available in this factsheet.

“Thanks to Gov. Lujan Grisham and legislative champions including Senate Majority Leader Wirth, Senator Lopez and Representatives Chandler and Small, New Mexicans will now be empowered to make decisions about their own health, clean air and water. This legislation gives the New Mexico Environment Department critical new tools to curb pollution that threatens New Mexico’s families and communities, while protecting the climate, water and clean air they depend on. We look forward to working with the department to advance regulations that meet the governor’s climate goals and cement nation-leading methane rules.”  

• Jon Goldstein, Director of Regulatory & Legislative Affairs, Environmental Defense Fund