On Monday, Democratic Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham issued an executive order to transition all state government agencies to an entirely electric vehicle fleet by 2035, making New Mexico the latest state to join the push for emission-free transportation.
The announcement was made during the New Mexico Department of Transportation's Symposium on the Future of Transportation. In addition to the executive order, Lujan Grisham also unveiled plans to strengthen tax credits for electric vehicles in an effort to make them more affordable.
During her remarks, Lujan Grisham emphasized the importance of transitioning to electric vehicles for the environment and the economy. “The fact of the matter is that consumers and dealers want better access to electric vehicles, and the actions we’ve taken through Clean Car rules and now tax credits are leveling the playing field,” she stated. “I also took action today to make sure the state is ‘walking the walk’ when it comes to widely adopting low- and zero-emission vehicles by requiring the state fleet to be zero-emission by 2035.”
The executive order directs all state departments and agencies to purchase electric vehicles for all new car purchases, with exemptions for law enforcement vehicles, firefighting trucks, and other heavy-duty vehicles. This move comes on the heels of Lujan Grisham’s Clean Car rules, which mandate an increasing percentage of zero-emission vehicles to be sold in the state each year starting in 2026.
In July, the governor stated that these rules will lead to investments in electric vehicle infrastructure, job opportunities, and cleaner air for all New Mexicans.
New Mexico’s efforts to transition to electric vehicles by 2035 are part of a larger push for emission-free transportation nationwide. The federal government has implemented restrictive tailpipe emissions regulations and fuel economy rules, which experts say will increase the cost of traditional gas-powered cars in the coming years. Additionally, in September, the Environmental Protection Agency reinstated California’s authority under the Clean Air Act to set its own emission standards, prompting the state to issue a 2035 electric vehicle mandate.
Last month, the House passed a bill in a bipartisan vote to revoke the federal waiver granted to California, which allows the state to implement its own emission standards. “This legislation is about ensuring Americans can continue choosing the vehicles that best suit their lives. It’s about making sure people have the option of driving practical, functional, and affordable cars,” said House Energy and Commerce Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers. “And it’s about embracing the legacy of the American auto industry.”
The governor’s executive order and the state’s push for electric vehicles have received support from environmental groups, clean energy advocates, and electric vehicle manufacturers. They believe that this move will not only help combat climate change but also create economic opportunities and improve air quality.
As New Mexico joins the growing list of states implementing emissions-free transportation policies, it is clear that electric vehicles will play a significant role in the future of transportation. With the support of government mandates and initiatives, it is only a matter of time before electric vehicles become the standard mode of transportation in the United States.