b'2024 State ReportFederal Judge Allows to pause the new policies while an appeal is before the New Mexi-Release of New Mexico Voter Information: co Court of Appeals. Last November, state ofcials approved new The Secretary of States ofce has lost a battle to keep New Mex- zero-emission vehicle rules, much to the dismay of car dealer-ico voter information from being published online by a nationalships. The policies will increase how many zero-emission vehicles conservative organization after a judge ruled the information isare in New Mexico, requiring auto manufacturers to deliver 43% public under federal law. The ruling found that Voter Foundationzero-emission model 2027 vehicles and 82% zero-emission model LLC was entitled to information from New Mexico voter registra- 2032 vehicles.tion rolls and that the Secretary of States ofce violated a federalNew Mexicos Newest Tax Creditselection transparency law in denying the Foundation the records. for Electric Vehicles:Lawmakers Voice Concerns New Mexicans can chip thousands of dollars off buying a new as Special Session Nears: or preowned electric vehicle with sone of the states newest tax New Mexicos special session will be in July, but lawmakers arecredits. Combined with federal tax credits, that could mean over still voicing the same sentimentnobodys on the same page.$10,000 in savings for a new EV and over $6,000 in savings forWhile policy makers generally agree that New Mexico has aa used EV.crime problem, exactly how to address it is still up in the air.Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed off on two new refund-Senator Moe Maestas, D-Albuquerque, and Reps Joy Garrett,able personal and corporate income credits for electric vehicles D-Albuquerque and Andrea Reeb, R-Clovis, came together for aas part of New Mexicos tax package. The tax credits are eligible townhall on crime.for purchases of electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles Lawmakers on both sides said theyre looking forward to whator fuel cell vehicles. Its also applicable for new leases that are at could get done in the special session, which starts July 18th,least three years long. but are not in complete agreement with the proposals GovernorAdvanced Energy EconomyGrishams ofce has put forth. Reeb said the Governors informalRequires Major Investment in Infrastructure:agenda so far is too complicated to address in a few days, espe- State Representative Meredith Dixon said As we stand on the cially regarding criminal competency and mental health issues.precipice of a changing climate and work toward a net-zero Maestas said lawmakers should agree on ve or six bills to passeconomy, it is clear that the advanced energy economy is not just in the special session, helping the state to catch up on laws he saida trend, but a necessity.are behind, and Representative Martinez agreed.Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham Says The global shift toward carbon-free energy sources presents an New Mexico is Epicenter for Clean Energy: opportunity for New Mexico to lead the way in the burgeoning eld. However, the transition to an advanced energy economy is New Mexico has a ton of renewable energy opportunities, andnot without challenges. It requires signicant investment infra-more are coming. structure, education, and workforce development. During the last Thats what Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham said at Electrifylegislative session, legislation was passed to help promote the New Mexico, an inaugural electrication conference held ingrowth of an advanced energy sector and a trained workforce. Albuquerque. She touted how the state can grow its economy byAction was taken on House Bill 177, the New Mexico Match producing clean energy. She said New Mexico is getting hugeFund, which will enable local governments to access historic fed-investments from the private sector and the federal government.eral investment funding for infrastructure, research, and projects She also praised recent state legislative moves, such as clean fuelsthat move the needle on the energy transition. We also passed and refundable tax credits for renewable energy. House Bill 41, the Clean Fuels Act, which will allow for cleaner Local Officials Uphold Clean Car Rules: fuel options for drivers to decrease the emissions from driving, New Mexico clean vehicle rules will stay in effect, local and stateone of the largest contributors to emissions.ofcials ruled. The ruling denies a request from local dealerships SWPMA News / Summer 202443'