New Mexico State Representatives Jim Townsend, Larry Scott, and Rod Montoya recently wrote a letter to Governor Michelle Lujan-Grisham (D-N.M.) urging her to consider adding House Bill 76. This bill seeks to repeal a recent rule implemented by the New Mexico Environmental Improvement Board. The rule mandates that a certain percentage of vehicles sold in New Mexico in 2026 must be zero-emission. According to Townsend, this is not the type of decision that an unelected body should have the authority to make.
Townsend, a representative at the New Mexico House of Representatives, stated: "An unelected board should not make decisions that adversely affect the market and regulate the types of cars consumers can purchase." He further added: "This decision is meant for elected representatives to discuss and debate in our State Capitol."
According to a press release, this ruling by the Environmental Improvement Board mandates that starting in 2026, 43% of an auto dealer's fleet for New Mexico will need to be zero emissions. This percentage increases to 82% by 2032. The board voted in favor of this mandate with a 3-to-2 vote.
House Republicans argue that the rule is premature due to rising concerns over accessibility in rural parts of New Mexico, charging issues, infrastructure costs, and consumer demand. In their letter, they highlighted concerns for rural New Mexicans who often must travel long distances for their needs. Electric vehicles have a more limited range compared to conventional ones and there is a lack of charging stations across the state.
Scott noted in the press release: "Major auto manufacturers are scaling back their investments into more EV production because consumer demand is lagging, and the last thing we need is a transportation supply chain crisis paired with higher prices and fewer choices for New Mexicans." This sentiment was echoed in their letter to Lujan-Grisham as well, citing Ford's delay in its electric vehicle investments and General Motors' postponement of plans to expand electric pick-up truck production.
According to Ballotpedia, Townsend has been a member of the New Mexico House of Representatives since 2015. He attended New Mexico State University and has worked for companies such as Southern Union Co., Southern Union Gas Company, Southern Union Refining Company, Navajo Refining Company, Holly Energy Partners, and UNEV Pipeline Company.
