Stakeholders express worries about biogas in the new rules for clean fuels
New Mexico is taking steps to drive its energy transition with cleaner biofuels and circular economy principles, and the proposed Clean Transportation Fuel Standards (CTFS) is at the heart of this initiative. The rule, currently being finalized by the Environmental Improvement Board, aims to regulate transportation fuels, including gasoline, diesel, petroleum gas, natural gas, hydrogen, and electricity [1].
One of the main concerns surrounding the proposed rule is the inclusion of biogas production as a clean fuel. Environmental groups, such as Food & Water Watch, have criticised the crediting of biogas projects, particularly factory farm biogas, within the CTFS [2]. They argue that including avoided methane crediting for biogas could be a "false" climate solution, as methane leaks or emissions from biogas production and use could undermine the intended benefits of reducing greenhouse gases [2].
These groups are pressing regulators to limit or exclude such credits under the CTFS program. In response, the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) has adjusted its rule to take into account these concerns, developing standard values for factory farm biogas that are less problematic than California's clean fuels program [3].
The apprehensions focus on ensuring that biogas fuels truly lower greenhouse gas emissions and do not result in unintended methane releases that would counteract climate goals [3]. Regulators are under pressure to carefully design the clean fuel standards to avoid giving credits for emissions reductions that might not be fully realized in practice [3].
The broader context is that New Mexico is also implementing other climate actions, such as the Large Entity Reporting Requirement (LERR) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across transportation sectors by 45% by 2030 [5].
For those interested in staying updated on these developments, The Albuquerque Journal offers a free daily email newsletter [4]. Readers can also submit their story suggestions to the business desk [6]. The Business Outlook Newsletter provides narrative coverage of local trends, industry news, and key economic updates, with subscribers receiving an exclusive edition every Monday [7].
The public meeting for the proposed rule will start on September 22 and run through October 3, with the board convening again in November to continue hearing testimony [8]. For general questions or concerns, readers can email [email protected] [9].
Meanwhile, Food and Water Watch held a virtual meeting to discuss the potential of enabling biogas production, expressing concerns about the methane generated in the biogas production process [10]. Some environmental advocates are also concerned about a potential loophole in the rule that could worsen pollution [11].
As the rule progresses, it will be crucial to monitor its development and potential impacts on New Mexico's environment and climate goals. The public can submit their comments on the rule online, via email, or by mail to the New Mexico Environment Department [2].
- Concerns regarding the proposed Clean Transportation Fuel Standards (CTFS) in New Mexico include the crediting of biogas projects, particularly those from factory farms, due to potential methane leaks or emissions.
- Environmental groups, such as Food & Water Watch, are urging regulators to limit or exclude such biogas credits from the CTFS program to ensure true reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
- In addition to the CTFS, New Mexico is also implementing other climate actions, such as the Large Entity Reporting Requirement (LERR) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across transportation sectors by 45% by 2030.
- As the CTFS rule progresses, it's important for the public to monitor its development and potential impacts on New Mexico's environment and climate goals; comments can be submitted through the New Mexico Environment Department's channels.
