Councilor Wants Law Against Coal-Rolling in Silver City

District 1 Councilor Angela Salaiz seeks to address safety and environmental concerns over intentional diesel exhaust emissions.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 1:00am

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A fractured, abstract painting of a pickup truck repeatedly spewing overlapping, geometric waves of black, gray, and blue diesel exhaust, conveying the chaotic and polluting nature of the coal-rolling issue in Silver City.As tensions over coal-rolling escalate in Silver City, a fractured, high-energy painting captures the visual chaos and environmental impact of this intentional diesel exhaust emission practice.Silver City Today

A Silver City town councilor is preparing an ordinance to address the issue of 'coal-rolling', or the intentional release of large amounts of black exhaust from modified diesel-engine vehicles. Councilor Angela Salaiz has encountered numerous incidents of coal-rolling near a regular protest rally, including one that startled Mayor Simon Wheaton-Smith. Salaiz and other community members are concerned about the safety risks and environmental impact of these actions, and are working with the police department to find a solution.

Why it matters

Coal-rolling has become an increasing problem in Silver City, with incidents occurring at least twice a week near a regular protest rally. The practice poses safety risks to vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists, and also contributes to poor air quality in the community. Addressing this issue through new legislation could help improve public safety and environmental conditions in the city.

The details

Councilor Salaiz has been recording videos of the coal-rolling incidents, which show pickup trucks intentionally spewing dark clouds of exhaust that envelop protesters on the sidewalk. Some drivers have even swerved into the bike lane to get closer to the protesters. Salaiz says her proposed ordinance will focus on the safety aspects, as the federal Clean Air Act already prohibits tampering with vehicle emission control systems. Protest organizer Victoria Reece also spoke about the dangers of the coal-rolling, noting that the fumes contain 'poison' and 'noxious gases' that linger in the community. She believes the combination of speeding drivers, potential intimidation tactics, and the black smoke creates a situation where 'serious accidents are waiting to happen'.

  • On February 27, Councilor Salaiz first encountered coal-rolling incidents at the regular Friday afternoon protest rally.
  • On March 27, Mayor Wheaton-Smith was coal-rolled three times, including twice simultaneously by different trucks.
  • Salaiz began recording videos of the coal-rolling incidents just in case they are needed for evidence.

The players

Angela Salaiz

District 1 Councilor in Silver City who is preparing an ordinance to address the issue of coal-rolling.

Simon Wheaton-Smith

The Mayor of Silver City who was coal-rolled three times during the protest rally on March 27.

Victoria Reece

A member of the protest organizer group Silver City Indivisible, who spoke about the dangers of coal-rolling and its impact on air quality.

Silver City Indivisible

The protest organizer group that has been holding regular rallies where coal-rolling incidents have occurred.

Silver City Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that is working with Councilor Salaiz and the protest organizers on addressing the coal-rolling issue.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in Silver City.”

— Robert Jenkins, Silver City resident

“Some people may not understand why that is such a big deal, but the fumes that come out of these cars have poison, have noxious gases in them, and it doesn't just dissipate into thin air after it spreads out. It stays in our community. It affects all the people around them. So it's making our atmosphere, our air, worse, the more times people go around town doing this.”

— Victoria Reece, Silver City Indivisible member

“I think the time is well past for people who are caught coal-rolling to be issued tickets. They could be cited for reckless driving and speeding while the coal-rolling ordinance is in the works.”

— Victoria Reece, Silver City Indivisible member

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on Silver City streets, and if any special laws are needed to govern intentional emissions from modified vehicles in residential and commercial areas.