Albuquerque, NM—The Southwest Public Policy Institute (SPPI) announces a significant update in its ongoing legal battle with the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department (NMTRD) regarding violations of the state’s Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA). Following months of legal proceedings, a scheduling order has been issued, setting the stage for a bench trial on January 28, 2025. A pretrial scheduling conference has also been set for December 19, 2024.
SPPI filed the lawsuit against NMTRD after the department failed to provide access to essential vehicle registration data required for the Institute’s research into the impact of electric vehicle mandates. The Institute aims to demonstrate how these mandates disproportionately affect lower-income families while benefiting the wealthy.
In response to SPPI’s original request, NMTRD provided a fabricated document with inaccurate data, including a nonsensical entry claiming a vehicle with 1,000 engine cylinders—a mechanical impossibility. This blatant evasion of transparency laws has led SPPI to push forward in its fight for government accountability.
“The New Mexico Department of Taxation and Revenue and the Motor Vehicle Division have refused to provide accurate data. This undermines public trust and hinders our ability to engage in honest, informed policy discussions,” said Patrick M. Brenner, President of SPPI. “We look forward to the trial, where we will seek justice not just for SPPI, but for all New Mexicans who believe in transparent, accountable government.”
The trial, set for early 2025, is expected to set a precedent for enforcing public records laws in New Mexico and ensure that government agencies are held accountable for providing accurate, accessible data.
For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Liam Gray at press@southwestpolicy.com.
About Southwest Public Policy Institute:
The Southwest Public Policy Institute is a nonprofit research institute and think tank in the American Southwest dedicated to promoting better living through better policy.
This press release is also available as a PDF.