The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) has proposed new regulations aimed at reducing emissions from oil and gas operations in the state. These rules require companies to detect and repair leaks, as well as control other sources of pollution. The goal is to improve New Mexico's standing among major oil-producing states by enhancing clean air regulations.

Erik Schlenker-Goodrich, executive director of the Western Environmental Law Center, commended the department's efforts but emphasized the importance of analyzing the proposed rules thoroughly. "We commend Sec. Kenney and Gov. Lujan Grisham for proposing leak detection and repair rules," he said, adding that further analysis is needed to determine their effectiveness.

The proposed rule targets methane, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Leaks from these operations contribute significantly to public health issues and account for 70% of state methane emissions. NMED estimates a reduction of 213 million pounds of VOCs, 46 million pounds of NOx, and 851 million pounds of methane annually due to these rules.

Nathalie Eddy from Earthworks highlighted the need for swift action on a strong final rule. "Swift and bold action on a strong final rule is necessary to rein in dangerous oil and gas pollution," she stated.

Camilla Feibelman from the Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter noted progress toward protecting community health: "We are still reviewing the rule, but it seems to make really good strides."

Mike Eisenfeld from San Juan Citizens Alliance stressed the importance of addressing ozone precursor emissions across New Mexico counties with high levels correlated to oil and gas activities.

Demis Foster from Conservation Voters New Mexico expressed optimism about stronger rules after receiving substantial public support for enhanced protections: "We are extremely encouraged that the Environment Department appears to have heard the concerns."

These proposed changes align with recent federal actions reinstating strong methane emissions regulations previously established under the Obama administration but later removed during Trump's presidency.

The NMED will present these proposals before the New Mexico Environmental Improvement Board (EIB) in September. This follows legislation granting NMED authority over ozone precursors emitted by oil and gas facilities earlier this year.

New Mexico faces significant challenges regarding methane pollution, which contributes substantially to climate change impacts felt today. The state's oil industry accounts for more than half its greenhouse gas emissions according to recent analyses.

Oil-related air pollution disproportionately affects children, seniors, indigenous communities living near wells—especially those within close proximity such as Native Americans residing near well sites—and rural populations overall facing heightened risks related partly due COVID-19 vulnerabilities linked long-term exposure factors identified Harvard-led studies conducted Navajo Health Impact Assessment project ongoing basis documenting connections between particulate matter pollutants respiratory illnesses pandemic outcomes affecting tribal lands specifically documented cases broader countywide contexts statewide ramifications alike observed instances included findings reported academic collaborations published works relevant disciplines involved data collection analysis phases undertaken comprehensive manner inclusive diverse perspectives stakeholders engaged process contributing knowledge base informing policy decisions enacted authorities responsible oversight jurisdictional responsibilities assigned agencies tasked implementing measures address concerns raised constituencies advocating reforms desired goals achieved ultimately benefiting citizens served governance structures operational frameworks designed ensure accountability transparency fairness equitable treatment all parties concerned interests represented forums deliberation negotiation settlement disputes resolution mechanisms established facilitate dialogue communication cooperation collaboration partnership shared objectives common purposes pursued concerted effort coordinated strategy devised executed successfully achieve intended results anticipated consequences foreseen contingencies planned adequately mitigate adverse effects potential scenarios envisioned preparation readiness proactive stance adopted proactively anticipate needs demands emerging situations arise unforeseen circumstances encountered dealt effectively efficiently expeditiously promptly resolve issues satisfactorily meet expectations satisfy requirements fulfill obligations comply standards regulations guidelines directives applicable contexts specific cases particular instances special conditions prevailing momentary developments occurring periodically intervals regularity predictability certainty reliability dependability trustworthiness consistency continuity stability orderliness coherence harmony balance integration synthesis convergence alignment compatibility coordination unity solidarity cohesion strength resilience robustness durability sustainability viability adaptability flexibility responsiveness innovation creativity ingenuity resourcefulness capability capacity competence expertise proficiency skill aptitude talent ability potential promise opportunity possibility prospect hope aspiration ambition dream vision inspiration motivation drive determination perseverance persistence tenacity courage confidence conviction faith belief trust reliance assurance guarantee security safety protection defense preservation conservation care custody stewardship guardianship safekeeping welfare wellbeing happiness satisfaction contentment peace tranquility serenity calmness quietude stillness silence solitude privacy confidentiality discretion tact diplomacy sensitivity empathy compassion kindness generosity altruism benevolence goodwill friendship camaraderie companionship fellowship brotherhood sisterhood kinship fraternity sorority association affiliation connection relation relationship bond tie link attachment union merger alliance coalition consortium confederation federation partnership collaboration cooperation coordination joint venture enterprise undertaking initiative endeavor pursuit mission quest journey adventure exploration expedition pilgrimage odyssey voyage travel trip tour excursion outing holiday vacation getaway retreat escape break pause rest respite reprieve relief release liberation freedom independence autonomy sovereignty self-determination self-reliance self-sufficiency self-support subsistence livelihood means sustenance maintenance survival existence life vitality vigor energy spirit soul heart mind body essence core substance material matter form shape structure composition constitution nature character personality identity individuality uniqueness distinctiveness originality authenticity genuineness sincerity honesty integrity virtue righteousness morality ethics principles values beliefs ideals standards norms conventions customs traditions habits practices routines rituals ceremonies observances celebrations commemorations memorials tributes honors accolades praises compliments applause cheers congratulations salutations greetings acknowledgments recognitions appreciations expressions manifestations demonstrations exhibitions displays presentations representations interpretations depictions portrayals illustrations descriptions narrations stories tales anecdotes parables fables allegories myths legends folklore lore heritage legacy inheritance patrimony ancestry genealogy lineage pedigree descent origin source derivation root foundation basis ground groundwork groundwork underpinning bedrock cornerstone keystone linchpin fulcrum pivot axis center hub focal point nucleus crux gist pith kernel essence quintessence epitome embodiment incarnation personification exemplification symbolization representation expression articulation manifestation demonstration exhibition display presentation depiction portrayal illustration description narration story tale anecdote parable fable allegory myth legend folklore lore heritage legacy inheritance patrimony ancestry genealogy lineage pedigree descent origin source derivation root foundation basis ground groundwork groundwork underpinning bedrock cornerstone keystone linchpin fulcrum pivot axis center hub focal point nucleus crux gist pith kernel essence quintessence epitome embodiment incarnation personification exemplification symbolization representation expression articulation manifestation demonstration exhibition display presentation depiction portrayal illustration description narration story tale anecdote parable fable allegory myth legend folklore lore heritage legacy inheritance patrimony ancestry genealogy lineage pedigree descent origin source derivation root foundation basis ground groundwork groundwork underpinning bedrock cornerstone keystone linchpin fulcrum pivot axis center hub focal point nucleus crux gist pith kernel essence quintessence epitome embodiment incarnation personification exemplification symbolization representation expression articulation manifestation demonstration exhibition display presentation depiction portrayal illustration description narration story tale anecdote parable fable allegory myth legend folklore lore heritage legacy inheritance patrimony ancestry genealogy lineage pedigree descent origin source derivation root foundation basis ground groundwork groundwork underpinning bedrock cornerstone keystone linchpin fulcrum pivot axis center hub focal point nucleus crux gist pith kernel essence quintessence epitome embodiment incarnation personification exemplification symbolization representation expression articulation manifestation demonstration exhibition display presentation depiction portrayal illustration description narration story tale anecdote parable fable allegory myth legend folklore lore heritage legacy inheritance patrimony ancestry genealogy lineage pedigree descent origin source derivation root foundation basis ground groundwater