By KRWG News
New Mexico – New Mexico's recently approved rules for curbing greenhouse gas emissions statewide are at the heart of a new legal battle brewing in Santa Fe.
Four major utilities operating around the state, the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association, the Independent Petroleum Association of New Mexico and the city of Farmington all filed notices of appeal Tuesday with the state Court of Appeals.
The greenhouse gas regulations targeted by the notices were approved in December by the state Environmental Improvement Board following a lengthy petition process by the environmental group New Energy Economy.
The rules are essentially a backup measure to regulations that allow the state to participate in a regional cap-and-trade program. Both measures call for large polluters to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions each year from baseline levels.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.