AIR QUALITY CONTROL ACT CIVIL PENALTIES

SB 391 increases civil penalties for air quality violations in New Mexico, setting daily fines up to $15,000 for permit breaches and $25,000 for noncompliance with enforcement orders. It directly affects businesses and facilities operating under air quality permits by raising financial stakes for violations. Key provisions include exempting penalties for self-reported violations with corrective action and for equipment malfunctions when maintenance records are up-to-date. The bill also clarifies legal representation in enforcement cases (e.g., attorney general for state actions) and limits penalty claims to five years from when the violation was known.