New Mexico Statutes Chapter 74. Environmental Improvement § 74-2-6. Adoption of regulations; notice and hearings

A. Any person may recommend or propose regulations to the environmental improvement board or the local board for adoption. The environmental improvement board or the local board shall determine whether to hold a hearing within sixty days of submission of a proposed regulation.

B. No regulations or emission control requirement shall be adopted until after a public hearing by the environmental improvement board or the local board. As used in this section, “regulation” includes any amendment or repeal thereof. Hearings on regulations of nonstatewide application shall be held within that area that is substantially affected by the regulation. Hearings on regulations of statewide application may be held in Santa Fe or within any area of the state substantially affected by the regulation.

C. Notice of the hearing shall be given at least thirty days prior to the hearing date and shall state the subject, the time and the place of the hearing and the manner in which interested persons may present their views. The notice shall also state where interested persons may secure copies of any proposed regulation or air quality standard. The notice shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the area affected. Reasonable effort shall be made to give notice to all persons who have made a written request to the environmental improvement board or the local board for advance notice of its hearings.

D. At the hearing, the environmental improvement board or the local board shall allow all interested persons reasonable opportunity to submit data, views or arguments orally or in writing and to examine witnesses testifying at the hearing. Any person heard or represented at the hearing shall be given written notice of the action of the environmental improvement board or the local board.

E. The environmental improvement board or the local board may designate a hearing officer to take evidence in the hearing.

F. No regulations or emission control requirement adopted by the environmental improvement board or the local board shall become effective until thirty days after its filing under the State Rules Act.