NMED INSPECTIONS BEFORE NEW PERMITS

HB 581 requires the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) and local agencies to inspect all existing facilities owned by a business before issuing new operating or construction permits for that business. It mandates applicants to provide proof their current facilities comply with emission standards, or NMED must inspect them within six months. The bill also establishes a 2025 inspection program using best available technology, increases permitting fees to fund this program, and requires NMED to report on the program to the legislature in 2026 and 2027. This directly affects businesses seeking new or modified permits, particularly in regulated industries like oil and gas, by adding a pre-permit compliance check.