There is some exciting news for supporters of clean fuels. Yesterday, the New Mexico State Senate passed SB-14, known as The Clean Fuel Standard Act. This was done during a special session known as a “short session” where lawmakers are meeting for only for 30 days to consider legislation. The bills under consideration have been selected, as priorities, by the state’s Governor, a process unique to the state.

Despite that accelerated timeframe, the New Mexico Clean Fuels Coalition (NM CFC), which the LCFC and our Coalition member Adelante Consulting partnered to stand up, has been able to secure wide-ranging support from industry and local environmental nonprofits including the NRDC, Sierra Club, and the League of Conservation Voters. The NM CFC has also formed an engaged Steering Committee including the Advanced Biogas Council, Bayotech, ChargePoint, Clean Fuels Alliance America, Oberon Fuels, Renewable Energy Group, and Suburban Propane, enabling us to complete a robust statewide research and polling effort and launch a full-throated marketing campaign, complete with social media and op-ed outreach to educate the public on the environmental, public health, and economic benefits of a market driven CFS.

Now, the bill goes to the New Mexico House of Representatives, where co-sponsor Rep. Nathan Small (D-Las Cruces) will present the bill in committee. If SB 14 passes this year, it means the fourth state to successfully adopt a CFS is also the country’s second largest oil and gas producer.

You can read New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s statement on this important milestone here.

To learn more about SB 14, or track its progress go to nmcleanfuels.com.