Sen. Shannon Pinto Senate District 3 | Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter
The Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter has criticized a recent economic report from the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association. The environmental group claims that the report overlooks significant economic costs and damages to health, water, and air quality caused by the oil and gas industry in New Mexico.
Camilla Feibelman, director of the Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter, stated, "Oil and gas CEOs are profiting hand over fist on our publicly held resources and lands, while doing great harm to our communities." She urged the industry to present a more comprehensive view of their operations, noting that it is misleading to claim 'safe and responsible production' without acknowledging contrary data.
To counterbalance the industry's narrative, the Sierra Club has provided data intended for media organizations and legislative committees. This information aims to highlight the adverse health and economic impacts of fossil-fuel production alongside industry benefits. According to Feibelman, this will help offer a more balanced perspective on how oil and gas activities affect New Mexico.
Feibelman further commented on the issue by saying, "Reporting solely focused on one side of the ledger lets the industry off the hook from the devastation it does and will do to our air, land, water, and way of life." She referenced climate-driven wildfires as an example of these impacts. Despite some progress in addressing these issues, she noted that environmental agencies still face challenges in securing adequate funding for rulemaking, enforcement, and inspection efforts.
