ALBUQUERQUE — Gov. Susana Martinez on Tuesday took aim at the controversial Environmental Improvement Board, announcing that she was removing all members over concerns about the board's approval in recent months of what she considers "anti-business" policies.

The board — made up of members appointed by former Gov. Bill Richardson — was at the center of a heated debate last year over whether New Mexico should regulate greenhouse-gas emissions. The board ultimately decided to approve two proposals — one from an environmental group that aimed to limit the emissions of the state's largest polluters and another from the state Environment Department that called for a regional cap-and-trade program.

Supporters argue the board went through an exhaustive public process before approving the regulations, but Martinez's office contends the board moved forward with the regulations after state lawmakers rejected similar efforts during the legislative process.

Martinez said in a statement that New Mexico has been hurt by policies that discourage economic development and result in businesses fleeing the state.

"Unfortunately, the majority of EIB members have made it clear that they are more interested in advancing political ideology than implementing commonsense policies that balance economic growth with responsible stewardship in New Mexico," Martinez said.

Martinez's letter to the board members said their removal was effective immediately.

The board serves at the pleasure of the governor, meaning Martinez has authority to end their terms.

If any members wish to reapply, Martinez said she will consider their qualifications on a case-by-case basis.

Cap-and-trade critics had alleged during the board's hearings last year on the emissions proposals that some of the members had a conflict of interest and that they were too closely aligned with environment interests. Board members and the state attorney general dismissed those claims.

Gay Dillingham, the board's chairwoman, told The Associated Press she received her removal letter Tuesday evening. She said she hopes Martinez's administration takes the time to understand the emissions program. She noted that the board took great care in reviewing 200 hours of technical testimony, public comments and complex documents before reaching a decision.

"So as a citizen, I would expect the same dedication be given to reviewing all the evidence before she commits to overturning or supporting it," Dillingham said. "History has shown us there is a dynamic relationship between regulatory obligation and private-sector innovation, and we need enough time to give this process a chance to work for New Mexico."

Other board members could not immediately be reached Tuesday for comment.

The fate of the emissions rules remain uncertain.

Martinez issued an executive order Saturday halting all pending regulations by executive branch agencies under her control to determine whether they hurt businesses in New Mexico. She also directed agencies to review rules and regulations that are in place and determine by the end of the month which ones should be scrapped to improve economic development and job growth.

Even if Martinez's administration opts to scrap the rules and she appoints new regulators to the board, supporters of the rules contend another public process — including a hearing and an opportunity for the public to comment — would be necessary.



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