In New Mexico, the Rio Grande Foundation has expressed support for initiatives aimed at utilizing water produced as a byproduct of oil and gas extraction. The organization highlighted the importance of water in the state’s arid climate and its role in supporting both residents and the local economy.
The foundation recently discussed concerns about the safety of treating and reusing this "produced" water on an episode of its Tipping Point NM podcast. According to the group, their main question regarding the proposal was whether it could be done safely.
"We spent 45 minutes on a recent Tipping Point NM episode discussing the safety of treating and using 'produced' water. You can listen to that here."
Additionally, the foundation has submitted a letter to policymakers expressing its endorsement for putting treated produced water to use in New Mexico.
"You can read our letter in support of putting this water to work for the benefit of New Mexicans here."
The public is also being encouraged to provide feedback on this issue. Comments can be submitted directly to the New Mexico Environment Department.
"If you’d like to submit your own comments to the New Mexico Environment Department on this issue you can do so here."
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has indicated general support for exploring ways to expand water supplies through such projects. However, opposition remains from some environmental groups who argue against increasing oil and gas activities.
"Even Gov. Lujan Grisham is generally supportive of this idea. Sadly, the opponents are powerful and well-funded radical so-called 'environmental' groups who care more about killing oil and gas than expanding New Mexico’s water supplies."
The topic has also been addressed by Land Commissioner candidate Michael Perry, who wrote an opinion piece backing efforts to utilize produced water resources.
