New Mexico lawmakers push to ban PFAS in fracking operations
Oil and gas companies in New Mexico are not required to disclose whether they use PFAS, a class of toxic chemicals, in fracking, but a new bill seeks to ban their use and increase transparency about other chemicals injected into the ground.
Hannah Grover reports for New Mexico Political Report.
In short:
- House Bill 222 would prohibit PFAS in oil and gas extraction and require companies to disclose more information about fracking chemicals.
- Lawmakers delayed a vote on the bill to allow for revisions, while industry representatives argued it could undermine ongoing regulatory rulemaking.
- Advocates say a statutory ban is necessary to prevent future administrations from weakening regulations, pointing to past rollbacks on oil and gas waste disposal rules.
Key quote:
“We have a right to know fundamentally what chemicals are being put into the earth. We have a right to protect ourselves as well.”
— New Mexico State Senator Jeff Steinborn, (D-Las Cruces)
Why this matters:
PFAS, often called "forever chemicals," persist in the environment and have been linked to serious health risks, including cancer and immune system damage. Their presence in fracking fluids raises concerns about water contamination, particularly in regions already struggling with groundwater pollution. While oil and gas companies claim they do not use PFAS in New Mexico, the lack of mandatory disclosure leaves uncertainty. Similar bans in other states reflect growing recognition of the risks these chemicals pose to public health and the environment.
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