Thanks to an emergency order amending the New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC), the Public Education Department announced Monday school buses can remain idling while waiting for students to load and unload the bus.
Previously, state law prohibited buses from running the engine and air conditioner unless students were already on board the bus. In excessive heat, that meant students were having to load and unload uncomfortably hot buses.
The emergency order went into effect Aug. 4, 2023. The purpose of the rule, according to the order, is to add language that allows buses to remain running while a heat advisory, issued by the National Weather Service, is in effect. The emergency order is temporary and does not permanently amend or repeal the existing rule.