New Mexico's legislative push for oil and gas reform

New Mexico legislators are considering a series of transformative bills aimed at regulating the oil and gas industry.

Jerry Redfern reports for Capital & Main.

In short:

• 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.”

— Rep. Debra Sariñana

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