New Mexico gets most of its electricity from coal-fired power plants, but state officials say that could change and lead to higher electricity bills thanks to new federal guidelines aimed at reducing pollution.
The Obama administration unveiled its long awaited proposal on Monday. It calls for curbing carbon dioxide emissions at power plants by nearly a third by 2030. Specific goals have been set for each state.
New Mexico Environment Secretary Ryan says the effort to reduce haze-causing pollution at the San Juan Generating Station in northwestern New Mexico has put the state in a good position for meeting the federal standards.
Still, he and other officials are concerned the costs of meeting the standards will be passed by utilities on to their customers in the form of higher rates.
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