Writer ignored urgency of air quality crisis

The author of the July 7 essay, “New Mexico must embrace a sensible energy policy,” by Hunter Thomas would like us to believe that strong clean car policies adopted by New Mexico and 12 other states are radical and harmful. But when it comes to cleaning up the transportation sector, it is very simple: stronger clean car standards are a key mechanism to get more electric vehicle options to the state for consumers who want them, open up a robust secondary EV market, and cut deadly tailpipe pollution in New Mexico.

New EVs are now sticker price comparable to new gas-powered cars, and that’s before the federal and state incentives and rebates that provide even more savings. With volatile gas prices being a perennial concern, EVs are also much more affordable to fuel and maintain. It is estimated that by 2050, clean car standards will save New Mexicans $300 million from vehicle lifetime fuel savings and lower maintenance costs.

Misrepresenting New Mexico’s clean transportation policy is cynical and ignores the urgency of our air quality crisis and need for creative, accessible solutions that benefit all New Mexicans, especially those disproportionately impacted by tailpipe pollution whether or not they own a car. Putting more electric vehicles on New Mexico’s roadways is a key step in cleaning up our air for everyone.

ONA PORTER
Founder Emerita & Clean Energy Leader, Prosperity Works 

Read the original Letter to the Editor on the Albuquerque Journal