WildEarth Guardians has highlighted a significant surge in oil and gas spills across New Mexico, describing the situation as a "deluge." Between 2010 and 2020, state regulators documented over 12,000 releases of oil, toxic waste, gas, and other harmful substances. In 2020 alone, more than 1,100 spills were reported, averaging over three incidents daily. These spills have led to contamination of air and water resources, posing direct threats to public health and the environment. For instance, a toxic waste spill in southeast New Mexico in early 2020 affected a family’s home and livestock, resulting in the euthanasia of animals and ongoing health issues. (wildearthguardians.org)
Despite these alarming statistics, previous regulations did not explicitly prohibit such spills, allowing companies to report and clean them up without facing penalties. This regulatory gap effectively condoned hazardous practices, providing little incentive for companies to implement preventive measures. In response, WildEarth Guardians, in collaboration with the New Mexico Oil Conservation Division, petitioned for stricter rules. The New Mexico Oil Conservation Commission has now voted to adopt regulations that make it unlawful for oil and gas drillers to spill liquid waste, marking a significant step toward holding the industry accountable for environmental protection. (apnews.com)
While this regulatory change is a positive development, WildEarth Guardians emphasizes that spills remain a serious health and environmental emergency in New Mexico. The organization continues to advocate for comprehensive enforcement and oversight to ensure that the oil and gas industry adheres to these new standards and takes proactive steps to prevent future spills. (wildearthguardians.org)
The situation underscores the urgent need for robust environmental regulations and vigilant enforcement to protect New Mexico’s natural resources and the health of its residents.
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