New Mexico advocates push for legislative change in oil and gas regulations
In New Mexico, advocates called NMLAWS — New Mexico Land, Air, Water and Sacred — are pushing for legislative reforms to mitigate oil and gas pollution, focusing on health protection zones, increased corporate accountability and water use restrictions.
Hannah Grover reports for NM Political Report.
In short:
- NMLAWS, a New Mexico advocacy group, is advocating for laws to create health protection zones around schools, distancing them from oil and gas wells.
- The proposed legislation includes mandatory penalties for oil spills and notification requirements for affected communities.
- A significant focus is on reducing freshwater usage in oil and gas extraction, advocating for alternative water sources.
Key quote:
"I can personally speak to the air quality issues by saying, I’m sick, my neighbors are sick, my friends, my family, we’re all sick. And it started maybe two, three years ago where people started getting sicker and no one knew why."
— Jozee Zuniga, Permian Basin resident and member of Youth United for Climate Crisis Action.
Why this matters:
The push for legislative changes in New Mexico highlights a growing concern over the health impacts of oil and gas pollution, particularly on children and communities near extraction sites. These efforts reflect a broader national conversation on balancing economic interests with environmental and public health. How do you think your community would be affected by similar legislation?
Be sure to read: PFAS: The latest toxic concern for those near fracking
