Air Quality Bureau

Control Strategies Section

The Control Strategies Section performs technical analysis and development and/or revision of state air quality regulations.  The State Implementation Plan (SIP) group is responsible for preparing and revising regulations and guidance in accordance with federal directives.  The Control Strategies Section is also responsible for development of plans to reduce the impact of regional air contaminants (such as ozone and dust) within New Mexico.

Additional information on current control strategies projects, including nonattainment plans, natural events action plans, and others, can be found on our Planning Documents page.

New Mexico’s State Implementation Plan

The U.S. Clean Air Act requires each state to develop air quality protection plans called State Implementation Plans (SIP). SIPs are not single documents, rather a collection of programs, plans, state regulations and policies that states use to enforce state and federal air quality standards and rules. There is only one SIP for each state; all subsequent submittals or changes are considered SIP revisions to that single comprehensive plan. State statute gives NMED the authority to act as the lead agency for all purposes related to the SIP. Click here for a more detailed explanation of New Mexico's SIP and a list of regulations that are SIP or otherwise requried.

Getting Involved in the SIP Process

States are required by law to involve the public, through hearings and opportunities to comment, in the development of SIP revisions. The New Mexico Environmental Improvement Board (EIB) is given the authority under state statute to adopt rules and plans that are included in New Mexico’s SIP. Once adopted by the EIB, rules and plans must be submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for approval. The New Mexico SIP applies throughout New Mexico, except for Bernalillo County (Albuquerque) and Indian lands. The State of New Mexico’s SIP is housed at the EPA Region VI office in Dallas, Texas.