New Mexico's legislature is reviewing bills that could significantly alter oil and gas industry operations, including new well placement restrictions and increased fines.
The proposed legislation includes mandatory fines for spills, restrictions on water usage in operations, and the creation of child health protection zones near schools.
The state, a major oil producer, faces challenges in balancing industry interests with environmental and public health concerns.
Key quote:
“By now [industry] should … know better than to put gas and oil wells right by schools because of the effect they’re going to have. They know about this — they’ve known about it for years.”
Permitting reform is a phrase broad enough to serve two constituencies: those who care about getting things built and those who care about where they are built or not built. Sometimes those groups intersect. Other times, they clash.
The world’s financial heavyweights will gather in Washington this week to reimagine how the world will underwrite the challenges of the 21st century. Their mission: revamping a nearly 80-year-old system so it can better tackle climate change, debt distress and other pressing problems.
Analysis: Congress’ action, spurred by U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, prompted conservation groups to launch a successful campaign to block big banks and insurers from backing drilling not just in the refuge, but anywhere in the Arctic.
What did Jerry Brown accomplish as California’s governor? He is the state’s youngest, oldest and longest-serving leader. His legacy touches budgets, the environment, water and prisons. A look back at his career.
