Drilling pause brings hope in NM

By Miya King-Flaherty, Our Wild New Mexico organizer

Advocates are awaiting a federal report on oil and gas leasing this summer that could set New Mexico on a path for a safer climate, more stable economy and healthier communities.

Almost immediately after assuming office in January, the Biden administration issued an order to temporarily suspend new oil and gas leasing and drilling on public lands. The pause does not affect existing leases or drilling permits, and revenue from royalties will keep flowing into the state. 

In New Mexico, oil and gas companies can continue their current development, and in addition to current leases and permits, operators have stockpiled more than 6,000 unused drilling permits — a sign that fundamental reforms ...

NM Environment Department proposes improved methane safeguards

Today, the New Mexico Environment Department proposed new rules to limit emissions from oil and gas operations in the state by requiring companies to detect and repair leaks as well as control other pollution sources. The new rules aim to elevate New Mexico’s position for clean air regulations on the oil and gas industry among major-producing states from worst to first. Today’s rules combine with companion rules from the state’s Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) limiting industry venting and flaring of methane targeting that goal.

“The Environment Department responded to our call and the call from many community and environmental groups around the state to tighten gaping loopholes in its original draft rule ...

We're in the news: New Mexico Sustainability
On April 1, the NMSU Radio Station KRWG Newsmaker series features Camilla Feibelman, Director of the Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter to discuss how to make New Mexico more sustainable ...
Earth Month Events - 2021
Join your fellow New Mexicans online or in small groups to celebrate our home - learn something or make it better ...
Let's build a clean-energy economy in New Mexico
Climate change is a global emergency. From dead junipers made more susceptible to bark beetles because of drought to declining reservoir levels and agricultural yields, we are feeling climate disruption now, and scientists tell us we need bold action to prevent it from getting much, much worse. Ask the governor to sign these bills for a clean-energy transition: Community solar  |  Sustainable Economy Task Force  |  Air-Quality safeguards ...
Sierra Club Welcomes Haaland as Secretary of the Interior 
The Senate confirmed Deb Haaland on March 15 to lead the Department of the Interior. Haaland is the first Native American to hold a cabinet position.  ...
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See the Santa Fe New Mexican's Op/Ed letter to the Editor by Miya King-Flaherty ...
HB9 Climate Solutions Act Introduced
Community leaders across New Mexico today applauded the introduction of the Climate Solutions Act (HB 9), highlighting its science-based approach and focus on historically disadvantaged communities. They called on state legislators to protect public health and New Mexico’s air and water resources from climate change and to accelerate a just transition to a more diversified and resilient economy built by and for everyday New Mexicans ...