New Mexico Bill Would Raise Gas Prices

February 15, 2023

Legislators in New Mexico are racing to introduce bills as the deadline is fast approaching. Yesterday, a bill was introduced that would raise gasoline prices across the state. House Bill 426 echoes last year’s “Clean Fuel Standard Act,” which has failed to pass in recent legislative sessions. 

The harm this bill can cause is highlighted by three other states that have passed similar laws: California, Oregon and Washington. Families in those states currently pay an average of $4.20 per gallon, nearly 80 cents more than the national average.

“New Mexico’s families are already suffering under government energy failures, and now supporters of this price increase shockingly want to import California’s massive gas prices,” said Larry Behrens, Communications Director for Power The Future. “Supporters of this bill know it will add to the price of gas, that’s why they tried to pass this bill at 3:20 in the morning last year, hoping no one would notice until it was too late. Proponents of this price increase should have the guts to put it before the voters, but they won’t because they know what would happen.”

In the last 12 months, New Mexico families have seen the highest price of gasoline ever. It is shameful that legislators are trying to resurrect unsuccessful policies after past failed attempts.