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Albuquerque City Council Overrides Mayor's Veto on Environmental Justice Rule

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Albuquerque City Council has voted to override the Mayor's veto on two bills that put a moratorium on the current Air Quality Board's hearing of the Health, Environment, and Equity Impacts (HEEI) environmental justice rule. The rule, which the City Council believes is overly restrictive, would affect a wide range of businesses and organizations in the city, including those at Kirtland Air Force Base and the University of New Mexico. The Councilor sponsoring the bills, Dan Lewis, stated that the Mayor's veto was a misguided decision that prioritized environmental extremists over economic development and jobs in the city.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Albuquerque City Council has overridden the Mayor's veto on O-23-88 and R-23-176, which put a moratorium on the current Air Quality Board's hearing of the HEEI environmental justice rule.
  • The HEEI rule would affect businesses and organizations in the city, including those at Kirtland Air Force Base, the University of New Mexico, and Sandia National Labs.
  • The rule has been opposed by various organizations, including the University of New Mexico, Sandia National Labs, and the United States Air Force, due to its vagueness and lack of scientific and technical basis.
  • The rule would also have significant economic impacts, including on businesses that require air quality permits, such as dry cleaners, auto body shops, and concrete plants.
  • City Councilor Dan Lewis stated that the Mayor's veto was a misguided decision that prioritized environmental extremists over economic development and jobs in the city.

Statistics:

  • The HEEI rule would affect over 12,000 employees at Sandia National Labs, which has a $4.6 billion economic impact on the state.
  • The rule would also have a significant impact on Kirtland Air Force Base, with a representative from the base expressings concern over the potential risks to national defense due to the lack of air quality permits.
  • The University of New Mexico believes that the proposed regulations would negatively impact their operations, including their main campus, Health Sciences Center, and anticipated development of the South Campus TIDD.

Sources:

  • Albuquerque City Council press release, December 4
  • Albuquerque Journal article, date not specified
  • University of New Mexico statement, date not specified
  • Sandia National Labs statement, date not specified
  • United States Air Force representative Captain Ariel Noffke testimony, date not specified

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