New Mexico considers setback requirements for oil wells
A bill to ban oil and gas production within a mile (1.6 kilometers) of schools and day care centers across New Mexico is among the first published proposals as the state legislature prepares for a 30-day session that could bring an overhaul to fundamental oil and gas regulations
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A bill to ban oil and gas production within a mile (1.6 kilometers) of schools and day care centers across New Mexico is among the first published proposals as the state legislature prepares for a 30-day session that could bring an overhaul to fundamental oil and gas regulations.
Regulators in the No. 2 U.S. state for oil production are considering reforms including setback requirements aimed at protecting children from pollution, amid pressure from environmental advocacy groups to bolster pollution controls and fulfill constitutional obligations to regulate the industry.
Published Wednesday, a bill introduced by Democratic state Rep. Debra Sariñana of Albuquerque in coordination with environmental advocacy groups would halt approval of new drilling permits within a mile of school facilities, starting in July of this year, and halt most oil and natural gas operations in those zones by 2028.
Gov. Lujan Grisham has directed the New Mexico Energy Minerals and Natural Resources Department to consult with a variety of stakeholders and develop its own robust set of proposed reforms to the New Mexico Oil and Gas Act, the state's fundamental law for regulating production of the two fossil fuels.
