The "Promoting Responsible End-of-Life Management of Electric Vehicle Batteries Act" establishes a framework for managing electric vehicle batteries at the end of their life cycle in New Mexico. It introduces new definitions such as "battery provider," "secondary handler," and "specialized battery recycler," while prohibiting the disposal of propulsion batteries in landfills. The bill mandates that batteries be managed through a hierarchy prioritizing reuse, repair, and recycling, and outlines the responsibilities of stakeholders to ensure proper handling and reporting of spent batteries. Additionally, it amends the Hazardous Waste Act to include provisions for the treatment and management of propulsion batteries, requiring permits for treatment and establishing penalties for violations.

The bill also expands the authority of the board overseeing hazardous waste management, allowing it to set standards for generators, transporters, and facilities handling hazardous waste. It removes a previous restriction on the board's ability to classify solid waste as hazardous and emphasizes the need for compliance with federal regulations. Furthermore, the bill introduces regulations for the management of storage tank facilities for petroleum products, allowing for flexibility in rural areas and during emergencies. It mandates that the board adopt rules for used oil management that align with federal standards and requires substantial evidence for any rules that exceed those standards. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
TP substitute: 74-4-3, 74-4-4