In order to reduce air pollution in Mexicali a state lawmaker announced the introduction of legislation that, if enacted, would regulate agricultural field burning.

Assemblyman Diego Echevarría, who chairs the Commission of the Environment and Sustainable Development, said the proposal would mirror regulations set in California.

The bill has already been discussed with officials of the Department of Agriculture.

The proposal would set days and times of field burning, as well as enforcement and permit issues.

The lawmaker said producers need no permits to burn agricultural fields.

Echevarría, member of the conservative National Action Party, said producers would also receive machinery to take advantage of field residues.

The lawmaker openly said he opposes field burning. However, Echevarría admitted that field burning cannot be stopped immediately. The bill, if enacted, would take effect in the next three years.