The New Mexico Environmental Improvement Board (EIB) has postponed a hearing on the Heat Illness and Injury Prevention proposal to January 12, 2026. This decision follows a significant volume of public feedback regarding the proposed workplace heat safety rule, which would apply to all employment locations in New Mexico.
During a meeting on May 22, Bruce Stidworthy, chair of Local Government Affairs for the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce (GACC), discussed potential unintended consequences of the proposal. He expressed concerns that it could hinder economic development in areas such as housing, infrastructure, and job creation.
Kelly Roepke-Orth, president and CEO of Associated General Contractors, also addressed the Chamber. She highlighted several issues with the proposal, including mandatory rest breaks at 90°F for construction workers, operational impacts, mental health and workforce well-being concerns, and financial burdens.
Stidworthy proposed that the Chamber oppose the regulation and inform the EIB of its stance. The Board unanimously supported this motion. On May 23, GACC sent a letter opposing the proposal signed by Terri Cole, president and CEO, along with Del Esparza, chairman of the board.
The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) initially scheduled a July hearing but extended the timeline after receiving varied responses from different groups. An NMED spokesman said that they will review public comments over a month and hold stakeholder roundtables in July and August to collect more data. An amendment to the proposal is expected by October 1 before being reviewed by EIB in January.
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