On Friday, the unelected New Mexico Environmental Improvement Board (EIB) voted 4-1 to reject a request to pause the enforcement of their electric vehicle mandate. Their decision was made despite ongoing legal challenges from New Mexico auto dealers who argue that the regulations will have negative impacts on the auto industry.

These mandates adopted by the board last year require that 43% of new cars and light-duty trucks delivered to New Mexico must be electric vehicles within two years, with this percentage increasing to 82% by 2032. Additionally, 15% to 20% of new, heavier-duty commercial trucks delivered to the state must be electric by 2026, and 40% to 70% must be zero emissions by 2034.

The new rules have faced significant criticism, especially from rural New Mexicans and the Navajo Nation, who expressed concerns about the reliability of electric vehicles during long-distance travel. New Mexicans have also raised concerns about the prices of new electric vehicles.

“Most new electric vehicles cost upwards of $50,000. Only politicians entirely out-of-touch with the financial struggles facing hard-working New Mexicans would mandate they make a $50,000 purchase by drastically limiting their other options,” said Republican Party of New Mexico Chairman Steve Pearce.

“The repeated government overreach under the Democratic Lujan Grisham administration is deeply disturbing. The Democratic Party thinks it can remove your Second Amendment, tell you what kind of car you have to drive and dictate what type of stove to use.

Enough is enough! We need to take our state back, and the only way to do that is to break up the Democratic monopoly that has become too bloated with power and is continually overstepping into the lives of New Mexicans. I urge all New Mexicans concerned about preserving their freedom and livelihoods to vote Republican up and down the ballot in November.”