New Mexicans Demand Stronger Oil & Gas Cleanup Rules

October 23, 2025

New Mexicans Demand Stronger Oil & Gas Cleanup Rules

Community voices call on state to hold polluters accountable, protect health and water

Santa Fe, NM – Advocacy groups and community members have delivered 890 signatures and comments to the New Mexico Oil Conservation Commission (OCC) in support of proposed rule changes to modernize outdated oil and gas bonding and cleanup requirements.

The petition and cover letter, submitted as part of the ongoing public hearing on Case No. 24683, underscores overwhelming public demand for action to address the state’s growing abandoned well crisis and protect New Mexico’s land, air, and water.

“These reforms are long overdue,” said Camilla Feibelman, director of the Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter. “New Mexicans across every region and political background agree: polluters should pay to clean up their own messes. These comments show that people are watching–and they’re demanding action.”

Comments submitted reflect powerful stories from across the state:

“These oil companies need to be responsible for cleaning the mess they create. Millions of dollars need to be put up front as collateral to make sure they clean up the contamination they created.”
— Ted M., Carlsbad

“As a veteran and a New Mexican, I believe in responsibility. Oil and gas companies need to show up and do the right thing—like I was taught to do.”
— Raymond B., Farmington

“New Mexicans should not have to pay the price of health problems related to pollution and the cost to clean up while corporations reap profits.”
— Candace D., Gallup

“I want my grandchildren to grow up in a place that values health over profit.”
— Delores L., Las Cruces

“We have to protect our land, our air, and most importantly, our water for future generations. This is a sacred responsibility.”
— Daniel M., Albuquerque

These common-sense updates would ensure oil and gas corporations post adequate financial assurance–or bonds–to cover the cost of cleanup before they are allowed to drill in high-risk situations, tighten well transfer rules to protect against risk, and strengthen rules to require timely cleanup instead of allowing wells to linger indefinitely in inactive status. Currently, state data show New Mexico faces between $700 million and $1.6 billion in cleanup liabilities, while operators may post a fraction of the cost to plug a well.

“This isn’t just a regulatory update–it’s a common-sense move toward fairness,” said Tannis Fox, senior attorney with the Western Environmental Law Center.“These changes would finally ensure that oil and gas corporations that profit from New Mexico’s natural resources also pay to clean up their mess. That’s what New Mexicans expect and deserve, as well as what the law requires.”

New statewide polling confirms this widespread support:

Nearly 9 in 10 New Mexicans (89%) support requiring oil and gas corporations to pay full cleanup costs.

• 90% say it’s essential to protect community health and drinking water.
• Support crosses party lines, regions, and age groups, confirming that cleanup accountability is a shared value among New Mexicans.

As the OCC continues its hearing, these 890 voices and the dozens more providing public comment during the hearing in support of bonding reform send a clear message: New Mexico must close the loopholes and raise the bar to protect our health, drinking water, and communities.

New Mexicans can submit public comments or sign up to testify in the hearing, which will be held virtually and in person. Public comment will be heard at 9 am and 4 pm each weekday now through Friday, Nov. 7. Written comments can also be submitted via email. Find the details in the hearing public notice.

###