The New Mexico Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC) has decided to vacate its previous decision to consider a rulemaking proposal that would have allowed the discharge of oil and gas wastewater in the state. The move follows concerns raised by environmental groups about political pressure on commissioners from Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and New Mexico Environment Department Secretary James Kenney.
During a meeting on November 13, the commission voted 7-4 to reverse its July 8 decision, effectively restarting the process for considering changes to the recently enacted ban on oil and gas wastewater discharge. The decision came after over two hours of public comment urging transparency and ethical conduct from the commission.
Tannis Fox, senior attorney at the Western Environmental Law Center, said, “The commission did the right thing here today by wiping the slate clean and avoiding any appearance of impropriety. The public takes the issue of clean water, and how dangerous oil and gas wastewater discharge is to our rivers, streams, and lands, seriously. We hope the commission applies this same precautionary approach to any petitions regarding oil and gas wastewater discharge in the future. Today’s vote restores trust in the independent water regulatory body.”
Rachel Conn, deputy director of Amigos Bravos, stated, “The vote of the Commission to vacate the hearing was appropriate and demonstrated a return to integrity in decision making related to protecting the quality of New Mexico’s rivers, streams, and groundwater. We commend the Commission for standing up and defending the institutional norms we depend upon for fair and impartial decisions about the future of water in the state.”
Dale Doremus of the Rio Grande Chapter of Sierra Club commented on public expectations: “New Mexicans put their trust in the commission to base its decisions, without interference, on the technical expertise and independent science from state agencies. This is a critical issue that should only be considered under 100% unimpeachable circumstances. Safeguarding our precious and scarce ground and surface waters from toxic contaminants that can endanger human health and the environment is too important for anything less.”
Haley Jones with Citizens Caring for the Future in Southeast New Mexico added: “The people of New Mexico deserve openness and accountability from the commission charged with protecting our water and the vote by the commission today is a step in the right direction. We appreciate the commission taking a stand to maintain the integrity of this process.”
The WQCC's action means that any future consideration of oil and gas wastewater discharge rules will begin anew. The issue remains significant as stakeholders continue to debate how best to protect New Mexico’s water resources while balancing industry interests.
