OPINION: Clean fuel standard would reduce emissions, not increase gas prices

As a legislator, I see it as my duty to implement policies that protect the well-being of our rural communities and honestly represent the voices of our citizens in the legislative process. Since we are in the midst of a climate crisis that poses an existential threat to our way of life, one of the duties most important to me is to make sure our state is doing whatever we can to help reduce transportation carbon emissions.

The need to enact clear and pragmatic measures to achieve cleaner air is more critical by the day. At the same time, we also have a responsibility to make sure our solutions are practical and empower New Mexicans to choose what works best for them. By incentivizing low-emission fuel options, we can develop solutions to help reduce emissions and give New Mexico consumers more choices, wherever they live.

The Clean Transportation Fuels Standard, House Bill 41, would do just that.

House Bill 41 would reduce greenhouse gas emissions while also protecting the interests of New Mexico consumers. It would establish benchmarks to reduce the carbon intensity of transportation fuels sold in New Mexico by 20% before 2030, and by 30% before 2040. The bill would also offer credits to producers to incentivize the production of lower-emission alternative fuels. This would create a competitive marketplace for clean fuels, making them more affordable to everyday folks.

This marketplace will also spur energy innovation and economic growth. A 2022 study by Adelante Consulting conservatively estimates that a clean fuel standard would lead to $470 million in economic investment, including 1,600 permanent jobs and 2,300 construction jobs, in addition to a $240 million capital investment for production and manufacturing.

Critics may try to mislead New Mexicans by complaining that this standard would increase gas prices, but these claims are baloney. In the states that have enacted a clean fuel standard, it has not led to increased gas prices. As we all know too well, the price of fuel fluctuates based on a number of factors, including supply, interest rates, geopolitics and consumer confidence. The bottom line is that more options for cleaner fuel, coupled with consumer choice, are good for New Mexicans.

New Mexicans want to choose how they get from point A to point B. This is particularly important for those who live in rural communities like mine and have limited access to fuel options. My district covers a vast area of rural western New Mexico. Traveling back and forth to Santa Fe and across the state for legislative committees, I fill up at the pump regularly, to say the least. As a frequent driver, I welcome having an option that allows me to put my conscience at ease while keeping my wallet fat and happy.

HB 41 is a forward-looking bill that will position New Mexico as a leader for practical solutions in the clean energy economy. We will be able to better attract investments, foster innovation, and create jobs in emerging industries.

Rep. Eliseo Alcon represents District 6, covering Cibola and McKinley counties, in the New Mexico House of Representatives. He is chairman of House Labor, Veterans’ and Military Affairs Committee.