Cindy Nava Senate District 8 | Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter
A coalition has filed a lawsuit challenging the sale of oil and gas leases on nearly 41,000 acres of public land in New Mexico. The Bureau of Land Management (the Bureau) is accused of bypassing proper public participation by not allowing a comment period on the draft environmental assessment and holding only a brief 10-day protest period. This lease sale impacts the Greater Chaco region and Diné communities, raising concerns about environmental justice.
The coalition argues that the Bureau's actions fall short of "fair treatment and meaningful involvement" required for environmental justice. They claim that the agency did not adequately analyze the health impacts on nearby residents or consider data provided during the limited public process. "Health and environmental justice are deeply intertwined," they stated, criticizing the Bureau for ignoring disproportionate health risks from fracking and drilling.
The lawsuit addresses leases from late 2018, highlighting broader societal issues related to racial injustices exacerbated by COVID-19. It aligns with scientific calls to reduce fossil fuel production as part of addressing climate change.
Reports from 2018 by the U.S. Geological Survey and Stockholm Environmental Institute underscore the contribution of oil and gas from public lands to greenhouse gas emissions, suggesting that halting such activities could significantly cut emissions.
The Physicians for Social Responsibility's June 2019 compendium highlights extensive health risks associated with oil and gas extraction, including cancer and asthma, advocating for ending fracking on public lands to improve health outcomes.
