Clean Fuels Welcomes New Mexico Clean Transportation Fuel Standard

New Mexico becomes the fourth state to pass a clean fuel standard

JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Clean Fuels Alliance America applauds New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham for signing legislation to create a clean transportation fuel standard for the state of New Mexico. This new law will help drive demand and open a new market for biodiesel and renewable diesel while spurring economic opportunity and creating cleaner air for New Mexicans.

The Clean Transportation Fuel Standard, House Bill 41, tasks the Environmental Improvement Board (EIB) to develop regulations to reduce transportation emissions by 20% from 2018 levels by 2030 and 30% by 2040. This technology and fuel-neutral program will generate new opportunities for the renewable fuel industry to help meet these carbon emissions reduction targets.

The achievement is the result of a multi-year effort spearheaded by Rep. Kristina Ortez (D-42) and Sen. Mimi Stewart (D-17). Clean Fuels Alliance America worked side-by-side with its member organizations and the Low Carbon Fuels Coalition to develop science and technical analysis to help educate lawmakers on the positive role renewable fuels provide in low carbon policies.

“New Mexico’s passage of the Clean Transportation Fuel Standard marks a pivotal moment in the state’s commitment to a sustainable future,” said Cory-Ann Wind, Clean Fuels Director of State Regulatory Affairs. “Cleaner fuels like biodiesel and renewable diesel will play a significant role in helping New Mexico reach its climate and air pollution goals.”

Jeff Earl, Clean Fuels Director of State Governmental Affairs, highlights that endorsing clean fuels not only supports environmental goals but also contributes to reducing fuel costs.

“A study by the World Agricultural Economic and Environmental Services revealed that the availability of biodiesel increases the fuel supply, resulting in an average annual reduction of 4% in diesel prices at the pump,” Earl said. “We congratulate New Mexico on passing this landmark legislation and express gratitude to Gov. Lujan Grisham for championing its advancement.”

New Mexico becomes the fourth state to pass a clean fuel standard, alongside California, Oregon and Washington.

Contact: Heather Buechter, hbuechter@cleanfuels.org.

ABOUT CLEAN FUELS ALLIANCE AMERICA

Made from an increasingly diverse mix of resources such as recycled cooking oil, soybean oil, and animal fats, the clean fuels industry is a proven, integral part of America’s clean energy future. Clean Fuels Alliance America is the U.S. trade association representing the entire biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel supply chain, including producers, feedstock suppliers and fuel distributors. Clean Fuels receives funding from a broad mix of private companies and associations, including the United Soybean Board and state checkoff organizations.