Comisión Ambiental de la Megalópolis (CAMe) Issues Alert
The Comisión Ambiental de la Megalópolis (CAMe) announced on Wednesday that it has initiated Phase 1 of the Environmental Contingency in the Valley of Mexico due to elevated ozone concentrations. This decision also triggers the implementation of the Doble Hoy No Circula program for Thursday, April 24.
Background on the Comisión Ambiental de la Megalópolis (CAMe)
The Comisión Ambiental de la Megalópolis (CAMe) is a crucial environmental organization responsible for monitoring and managing air quality in the densely populated Valley of Mexico, which includes Mexico City and its surrounding areas. The organization plays a vital role in ensuring the well-being of over 21 million residents by implementing measures to combat air pollution and protect public health.
Reasons for the Contingency
According to CAMe, a high-pressure system has been stationed over central Mexico for the past three days, increasing atmospheric stability and contributing to higher ozone levels in the region. This weather pattern, combined with local pollution sources, has led to the activation of Phase 1 of the Environmental Contingency.
Vehicular Restrictions and Exemptions
While the contingency is in effect, certain vehicles will still be allowed to circulate. The following categories of vehicles are exempt from the restrictions:
- Motorcycles are exempt from the Phase 1 contingency restrictions.
- Electric and hybrid vehicles, along with those holding eco-friendly license plates or “exempt” holograms.
- Vehicles with “0” or “00” holograms, regardless of their registration entity, can operate if they have non-green stickers and plates ending in 1 or 2.
- Private vehicles used in manifestly urgent circumstances to address medical emergencies.
- Taxis can operate from 5:00 AM to 10:00 AM on restricted days, irrespective of their hologram, to support public mobility.
- Service vehicles for emergency, medical, health, public safety, firefighting, rescue, environmental protection, water supply, and hazardous waste transportation.
- School and personnel transport vehicles meeting current vehicle inspection specifications and holding the appropriate hologram and authorization.
- Funeral processions and funeral service transport vehicles with valid verification holograms.
- Vehicles for individuals with disabilities holding exemption permits, disability holograms, or disability plates according to their state of residence.
- Waste and hazardous material transport vehicles with proper authorization, excluding those carrying gasoline, diesel, or LPG.
- Public service passenger and tourism vehicles (vagonetas, microbuses, and buses) with federal or local plates that comply with current inspection regulations.
- Merchandise and perishable goods transport units with refrigeration systems, as well as concrete mixer trucks.
Next Steps and Monitoring
The CAMe will continue to monitor air quality and weather conditions in the Zona Metropolitana del Valle de México (ZMVM) to issue an update by 8:00 PM. This ongoing assessment will help determine if further measures are necessary to mitigate the effects of high ozone levels on public health and the environment.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Comisión Ambiental de la Megalópolis (CAMe)? The CAMe is an environmental organization responsible for managing air quality in the Valley of Mexico, ensuring the well-being of over 21 million residents.
- Why was Phase 1 of Environmental Contingency activated? A high-pressure system stationed over central Mexico for three days increased atmospheric stability, contributing to higher ozone levels in the region.
- Which vehicles are exempt from restrictions during Phase 1? Motorcycles, electric and hybrid vehicles, those with “0” or “00” holograms (under specific conditions), private vehicles for urgent medical needs, taxis during restricted hours, service vehicles, school and personnel transport, funeral procession vehicles, vehicles for individuals with disabilities, waste and hazardous material transport, public service passenger and tourism vehicles, merchandise and perishable goods transport units, and concrete mixer trucks.
- When will the CAMe issue an update on air quality and weather conditions? The CAMe will issue an update by 8:00 PM, monitoring air quality and weather conditions to determine if further measures are necessary.
