ROSWELL, NM—New Mexico House Republican Caucus Chair Candy Spence Ezzell (R-Roswell) released the following statement in response to the new vehicle emission standards proposed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. The proposed standards would apply to cars sold in New Mexico beginning in model year 2022. It is projected that the mandate would improve the average fuel economy of vehicles sold in New Mexico to 52 miles per gallon.

“When are the governor and her allies in the Legislature going to realize that they live in New Mexico and not California? More people in New Mexico drive pick-ups than Priuses. These new standards are going to hurt our farmers, ranchers, builders, and tradespeople. Anyone who depends on non-hybrid vehicles for their livelihoods is going to feel the effect of this new mandate. These emission standards may make sense for a more urban state like California, but it's a bad move for New Mexico.”