Study Confirms That More Citizens Are Concerned with Economic Harm of Increasing Federal Regulations Than Environmental Benefit

Washington, D.C., September 15, 2015 – According to a poll released by New Mexico Business Coalition (NMBC) and the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), 75 percent of New Mexicans rate their air quality as “excellent” or “good,” and 69 percent consider the decline in economic growth and job opportunities caused by regulations as a greater problem for their hometown than air quality. The poll was conducted to gauge public opinion in New Mexico as the federal government considers the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed ozone rule.

A local debate over the future operations of the coal-fired San Juan Generating Stations near Farmington, New Mexico has been the center of discussion on renewable energy versus fossil fuels. President Carla Sonntag of the coalition stated the need for a constructive conversation involving compromise but the opposing side is taking on an all-or-nothing approach.