New Mexico considers ban on forever chemicals in oil and gas operations

By: Austin Fisher ​
Source NM

Advocates from WildEarth Guardians, New Energy Economy, YUCCA, and Physicians for Social Responsibility held a news conference in support of a proposed statewide ban on “forever chemicals” outside the Roundhouse on Oct. 21, 2024. (Photo by Austin Fisher / Source New Mexico)

New Mexico environmental regulators will consider new rules this week that would require companies to disclose what chemicals they use in oil and gas operations, and prohibit them from using so-called “forever chemicals” that can harm human health.

The state Oil Conservation Commission will hold a four-day hearing that runs from Tuesday through Friday to consider establishing new rules banning PFAS in oil and gas operations, and mandating full disclosure of the chemicals companies use. The commission will be accepting public comments on the proposed rules.

PFAS – which stands for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances – are synthetic chemicals used in everything from industrial processes to household products. They are frequently described as “forever chemicals” since some don’t degrade naturally.

One cause of concern linked to PFAS in New Mexico is oil and gas production.
The state generates billions of gallons of toxic wastewater from oil and gas drilling and fracking, which the industry calls “produced water.” The U.S. Geological Survey in 2021 found PFAS in water samples from the Pecos River and produced water samples from the Permian Basin.

In anticipation of the hearing, climate activist groups on Oct. 21 delivered more than 4,700 public comments which urged Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to build on her efforts to address PFAS contamination by supporting the proposed rule.

PFAS can be harmful in many ways, said Dr. Robert Bernstein, a medical doctor and president of the New Mexico chapter of Physicians for Social Responsibility.

They can raise cholesterol, disrupt thyroid function, cause liver and kidney problems, reduce the body’s ability to fight infections by interfering with the immune system, increase risk of birth defects, and cause cancer, he said.
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It is unclear when the commission will decide on the rule.

How to participate: The hearing begins at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday in the Pecos Hall Hearing Room in the Wendell Chino Building at 1220 South St. Francis Drive in Santa Fe. It will continue through Friday.

People can virtually attend the hearing via Microsoft Teams by clicking this link. The meeting ID is 266 932 579 58 and the passcode is cGzkrG.
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People can also dial in by phone by calling 1-505-312-4308, ext. 812829678#.
The hearing will be livestreamed on YouTube here.
More information about how to make public comment can be found in the hearing notice.