On Aug. 18, the City of Albuquerque announced that the Albuquerque-Bernalillo County Air Quality Control Board (Air Board) and the Environmental Improvement Board have scheduled a meeting to discuss potentially amending regulations for implementing California's latest motor vehicle emission standards, beginning with the model year 2027, according to a press release. The hearing is scheduled for Nov. 13, at 9:00 a.m. through Nov. 16.
“We’re pleased to again coordinate with the New Mexico Environment Department to take important steps towards tackling transportation sector emissions and improving air quality in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County. These new regulations, if adopted, would work to combat climate change and help us ensure more sustainable communities for New Mexicans.”
According to the press release, the merits of Petition No. 2023-01 to Amend Existing Rule 20.11.104 NMAC, New Motor Vehicle Emission Standards, will be discussed during the hearing. Additional details about the hearing, including how to participate, will be provided in a hearing notice published a minimum of 30 days before the event.
Managed by the Environmental Health Department of the City of Albuquerque, the Albuquerque-Bernalillo County Air Quality Program holds the authority to implement and enforce clean air regulations aimed at safeguarding public health within the confines of the City of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County.
Serving as the local agency collaborator to the Albuquerque-Bernalillo County Air Quality Control Board, the Air Quality Program adheres to federal and state air quality standards while seeking to decrease vehicular pollution. The board oversees air quality permitting, enforces permit agreements, operates a sophisticated ambient air monitoring network, oversees vehicle emissions testing, develops air quality regulations and plans for consideration by the Air Quality Control Board and the EPA and manages an air emissions inventory from all permitted equipment.
Feedback regarding the suggested regulation can be directed to Morgan Allen Smith, Coordinator for the Development of Air Quality Regulations at morgansmith@cabq.gov, according to the press release.