oil and gas
Newsletter
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New Mexico considers reuse of oil and gas wastewater amid safety concerns
New Mexico regulators propose reusing treated oil and gas wastewater in industrial processes but prohibit its discharge into rivers due to safety concerns.
In short:
- New Mexico generates billions of gallons of toxic wastewater annually from oil and gas drilling, currently injected underground or transported to Texas for disposal.
- Proposed rules allow treated wastewater reuse in industry but prohibit river discharges, citing insufficient safety data.
- Environmental advocates worry about risks, while industry groups argue the rules are too restrictive compared to other states.
Key quote:
“The scientific research that would allow us to protectively permit treated produced water discharge simply does not exist.”
— Andrew Knight, NMED assistant general counsel
Why this matters:
New Mexico faces severe water shortages and must explore alternatives to traditional water sources. Safe reuse of treated wastewater could provide a new water supply but poses potential environmental and public health risks.
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Newsletter
Texas struggles with backlog of unplugged wells despite aggressive plugging program
Texas, known for its vast oil reserves and long history of drilling, is now facing a less glamorous legacy: the highest number of unplugged wells in the United States.
In short:
- Texas has 476,790 documented unplugged wells, including 8,580 orphaned wells.
- The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $4.7 billion for well plugging, with Texas receiving $25 million initially.
- Despite plugging over 1,500 wells annually, Texas's orphan well list remains lengthy due to ongoing discoveries and undocumented wells.
Key quote:
“Right now the Railroad Commission estimates that we have almost 8,000 orphan wells that need to be plugged in the state of Texas.”
— Rep. Brooks Landgraf, an oil and gas attorney who represents the city of Odessa and chairs the Texas House Environmental Regulation Committee
Why this matters:
Unplugged wells, sometimes referred to as orphan wells, are those left behind after their productive life has ended. Without proper sealing, these wells can become conduits for toxic substances like methane and brine to contaminate local ecosystems. The environmental impact is significant, with risks ranging from groundwater pollution to air quality degradation. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, can escape from these wells, exacerbating climate change.
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Major oil companies' climate plans fall short, report reveals
Despite bold climate promises, a new report indicates that major oil companies' plans fail to meet the necessary standards to limit global warming to 1.5C.
In short:
- None of the eight largest US and European oil and gas companies' climate plans align with the 1.5C warming limit.
- All companies were found to have plans that are "grossly insufficient" or "insufficient" in nearly all of the 10 criteria assessed.
- US companies, including Chevron and ExxonMobil, were highlighted as particularly inadequate in their climate efforts.
Key quote:
"There is no evidence that big oil and gas companies are acting seriously to be part of the energy transition."
— David Tong, global industry campaign manager at Oil Change International.
Why this matters:
Failure to meet climate targets by major oil companies could lead to more than 2.4C of global temperature rise, resulting in severe climate consequences. These companies' current plans could consume a significant portion of the world's remaining carbon budget, worsening the climate crisis.
Feeling anxious about climate change? Experts say you're not alone.
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Activists meet with Canadian official to discuss concerns about Line 5 pipeline
Activists have called on a Canadian consular official to close the Line 5 oil pipeline, citing environmental and Indigenous rights concerns.
In short:
- An international coalition presented a letter to a Canadian consular official, urging the revocation of a treaty that supports the operation of Line 5.
- The pipeline, which traverses tribal lands, has been deemed trespassing by a court, with orders for partial closure by 2026.
- Enbridge disputes these claims, citing a 1992 easement and arguing against treaty violations.
Key quote:
“It’s hypocritical and irrelevant for the Canadian government to invoke the 1977 treaty while ignoring the long standing treaties they have with First Nations.”
— Andrea Pierce, Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians citizen
Why this matters:
Line 5, part of a network operated by Enbridge Inc., runs under the Straits of Mackinac, connecting Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. This location is pivotal for its natural beauty and as a vital freshwater resource. Critics argue that any potential oil spill could devastate these waters, which are important for local ecosystems and the millions who rely on them for drinking water.
The pipeline also crosses areas significant to local Indigenous communities, who have raised alarms about the infringement of their sovereign rights and the risks to their lands.
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Company plans to convert a water well into a toxic waste dump near Navajo Nation
A proposal by Enduring Resources to transform a New Mexico water well into a toxic wastewater disposal site faces opposition from local Navajo activist Mario Atencio and residents who want more transparency and tribal consultation.
In short:
- The well, situated close to Navajo lands, was set to be converted without adequate notification to local tribes.
- Mario Atencio discovered the conversion plan inadvertently while researching for a doctoral paper.
- Legal actions and appeals for better notification and transparency in oil and gas operations continue amid accusations of environmental racism.
Key quote:
"How do you approve an underground toxic waste dump without telling nobody?"
— Mario Atencio, Native rights organizer
Why this matters:
Critics of the proposal argue that injecting toxic wastewater into old wells can lead to contamination of aquifers that are sources of drinking water and irrigation. The fear is not unfounded; instances of such contamination have been documented, though they are relatively rare.
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US oil and gas sector pours big money into GOP politics
The oil and gas industry is significantly increasing its campaign contributions to Republicans like August Pfluger, a Texas Congressman, despite booming under President Biden.
In short:
- August Pfluger, a relatively unknown Republican, is the largest recipient of oil and gas campaign donations in the 2024 election cycle, receiving over $573,000.
- The fossil fuel industry, favoring GOP candidates who support their interests, has contributed over seven times more to Republicans than to Democrats in this cycle.
- While oil production is reaching new heights, the industry continues to criticize Biden’s environmental policies, claiming they're a threat to fossil fuel profitability.
Key quote:
“Despite the fact that oil is doing incredibly well under President Biden, the industry and its allies have continued to press the misleading talking point that Biden is engaged in war on oil and gas."
— Alan Zibel, Public Citizen analyst
Why this matters:
The oil and gas industry's significant financial backing of the GOP highlights the sector's influence on U.S. energy policies, which could affect climate change mitigation and the transition to cleaner energy sources. Read more: Brace yourself for more attention — and attacks — on climate change and the environment.
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Drilling plans near Denver's superfund site spark environmental concerns
A Colorado oil company's plan to drill near the Aurora Reservoir and a Superfund site is causing alarm over potential water contamination risks.
In short:
- Federal and state officials worry that drilling near the Lowry Landfill Superfund Site could release hazardous chemicals into groundwater.
- Civitas, the company behind the proposal, has pledged not to drill directly under the superfund site, aiming to protect the existing containment measures.
- Residents and environmental groups remain concerned about the proximity of the proposed drilling to water sources and the potential for seismic activity induced by fracking.
Key quote:
"The EPA is concerned that hydraulic fracturing surrounding and underneath the site could lead to a significant unintended release of hazardous substances."
— U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Why this matters:
The process of drilling and oil extraction uses chemicals and generates wastewater that can contaminate local water supplies. If these chemicals seep into groundwater or surface water, they can threaten the health of nearby communities and ecosystems, particularly in regions already struggling with pollution from Superfund sites.
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