that would permanently codify signed at the very infancy of Michelle Lujan Grisham鈥檚 governorship to address greenhouse gas emissions was tabled in its latest stress test at the Roundhouse on Monday.
This was the legislature鈥檚 fourth attempt to pass it since 2019.
Criticisms ranged from fiscal implications 鈥� like the potential to lose business to neighboring states 鈥� to concerns about the unrealistic expectations the law creates and misunderstandings of the true danger historically high carbon dioxide levels pose globally.
鈥淵ou鈥檙e going to hear that: 鈥極h my God, the sky is falling, oil and gas will be run out of the state,鈥欌�� said bill cosponsor Senate Pro Tem Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque) to the Senate Finance Committee just before public comment. 鈥淭hat is just not accurate.鈥�
The Clear Horizons Act sets very specific and aggressive goals for emissions reductions through significant statutory changes.
Climate equity would also play a large role 鈥� recognizing 鈥渙verburdened鈥� communities that often bear a disproportionate brunt of .
To start, New Mexico would aim for a reduction of emissions by at least 45% below 2005 levels 鈥� . Then, slowly tick to net-zero emissions by 2050.
This would largely be done by giving broad authority to the state鈥檚 regulatory arm, the Environmental Improvement Board (EIB), to monitor greenhouse gas emissions through production standards for industries outside of fossil fuels.
The EIB rulemaking is strenuous, often evolving into a trial of sorts, where lawyers present arguments complete with cross examination of experts to a seven member committee appointed by the governor.
According to a by consulting firm , the state needs intervention. 鈥淓xisting statewide policies are not sufficient to meet 2030 carbon goals, and additional policy action is necessary,鈥� according to the report鈥檚 authors.
Regardless of the need for change, opponents voiced their concerns about regulatory compliance. However, the bill intentionally avoids targeting individual companies or businesses with monetary penalties.
Bridget Dixon is the president of the Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce, which staunchly opposed the bill.
鈥淥ur current energy infrastructure cannot sustain rapid compliance with new mandates,鈥� Dixon said. 鈥淲ithout viable solutions, this bill will force businesses to cut jobs or leave New Mexico.鈥�
Specific language in Senate Bill 4 outlines 鈥渕ethane intensity,鈥� or the amount of gas that escapes into the atmosphere during oil and gas production, to regulate the industry.
Methane intensity has been on a large decline thanks to technological advances in fracking. But much older, less productive wells and unplugged/orphaned drilling sites tend to be .
Not all committee members agreed that the unprecedented levels of greenhouse gases leaking into the atmosphere are a problem.
鈥淚 remember during the Pliocene Epoch, which was 3 to 5 million years ago, the measurable C02 in the air was the same or even higher than the average today,鈥� Sen. Nicole Tobiassen (R-Albuquerque) said during debate. 鈥淎nd that鈥檚 when the saber-toothed cat roamed the earth.鈥�
While the earth is just now rivaling carbon dioxide levels created by naturally occurring and extreme volcanic activity millions of years ago, scientists widely agree those conditions.
Meanwhile, New Mexico continues to boast an all and, as a result, . Just last November alone, companies produced 2,064,000 barrels of crude per day 鈥� over 11 times the rate in 2000.
The bill was tabled on a 6-5 vote, with Democratic Senators Benny Shendo (D-Jemez Pueblo) and Finance Committee Chair George Mu帽oz (D-Gallup) voting with Republicans.
鈥淏y refusing to pass the Clear Horizons Act, we are turning our backs on the families, workers, and businesses who need certainty and action today 鈥� not just empty promises for tomorrow,鈥� Senate Pro Tempore Mimi Stewart wrote in a statement shortly after the vote. 鈥淭his failure is a disservice to every New Mexican, now and for generations to come.鈥�
