Mexico to Review Fuel Standard in Monterrey to Curb Pollution

Mexico’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) will update Standard 016-CRE-2016 this year to improve the quality of gasoline and industrial fuels in Monterrey and its metropolitan area, the government announced during the seventh meeting of the Metropolitan Environmental Commission.

Sergio Zirath Hernández-Villaseñor, Director General of Industry, Clean Energy, and Air Quality, SEMARNAT, confirmed the decision to revise the regulation, which currently governs the specifications for fuel quality. The measure aims to reduce pollution in the region in collaboration with state and municipal governments.

“SEMARNAT reported progress on the standard that regulates the quality of gasoline and industrial fuels,” the state government said in an official statement. The agency is working with other institutions to improve fuel standards as part of broader efforts to address air quality in one of Mexico’s most industrialized regions.

In addition to the regulatory update, authorities are conducting a detailed emissions analysis of more than 500,000 vehicles operating in the metropolitan area of Monterrey. Remote sensors are being used to assess the condition of the local vehicle fleet.

SEMARNAT is also collaborating with the National Institute of Ecology and Climate Change to evaluate emissions from the Cadereyta Refinery. The findings will support efforts to update the emissions inventory and inform public policies aimed at improving air quality.

During the meeting, officials presented results of an air quality assessment. Data showed that PM10 particles, which are largely of natural origin, are the primary pollutant causing the region to fall short of health standards. PM10 accounted for 42% of the total pollutants measured in the area.

The Monterrey Metropolitan Area has experienced growing pressure to reduce emissions due to increased industrial activity and vehicle use. The review of fuel standards is expected to be a key step in regional environmental policy planning.