New Mexico Adopts Tougher Car Emissions Requirements

SANTA FE, N.M.(AP) – New Mexico plans to require tougher vehicle emissions standards for new cars and trucks sold in New Mexico starting with the 2011 model year.

The standards, adopted just before midnight, mandate cleaner-burning cars and trucks to help combat global warming.

The New Mexico Environmental Improvement Board and the Albuquerque-Bernalillo Air Quality Control Board adopted standards like those in California and 12 other states.

California first approved the standards in 2002. However, those standards and plans by other states to adopt the same emission requirements are on hold while California waits for a federal waiver.

Automakers also are challenging the California emissions requirements.

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