How should New Mexico spend the $18 million it got in Volkswagen settlement?
ALBUQUERQUE – New Mexico officials are giving the public a chance to weigh in on how to spend settlement money connected to the Volkswagen smog device emissions scandal.
The Albuquerque Journal reported Monday that the state Environmental Department has opened the public comment period for a proposal on divvying up the funds.
The state was awarded $18 million in 2017 after the Volkswagen Group of American acknowledged rigging 11 million of its vehicles with software used to cheat on vehicle emissions tests.
Environmental regulators say some of the VW vehicles emitted up to 40 times the allowed levels of unhealthy nitrous oxides when on the road.
Under the current plan, the state is recommending the money go toward helping local governments buy alternative-fueled vehicles and electric vehicle charging stations.
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