Public Health and Toxics News

NEW MEXICO STRENGTHENS RULES TO REDUCE CONTAMINATON FROM OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY WASTES

After more than a year of stakeholder meetings, hearings and political pressure, the New Mexico Oil Conservation Commission (OCC) adopted revisions to the state' surface waste facility rules for oil and gas wastes.  The oil and gas industry spent $500,000 in attorney time and hired experts in an attempt to weaken, delay, and stop the passage of the rules. Meanwhile, the Oil Conservation Division staff, Dr. Don Neeper of NM Citizens for Clean Air and Water, Controlled Recovery, Inc. (a landfarm operator) and OGAP pushed back to get the rules strengthened and adopted.  On October 19, 2006,  the OCC passed a set of strong rules, which will help to reduce air, water and soil contamination related to the disposal of oil and gas industry wastes.  Find out more.

OGAP ASKS FOR FULL DISCLOSURE

The Oil & Gas Accountability Project and its partners are working to secure the full public disclosure of chemicals that the oil and gas industry is releasing into our air, water and soil.  In February, The Endocrine Disruption Exchange, Inc. released a new analysis of the chemicals used in the exploration and development of oil and gas in Montana.  The Montana analysis builds upon what we already know about oil and gas chemicals and their associated health effects in states such as Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming and Washington.  Learn more about chemicals used in oil and gas development.

CLEARING THE AIR IN COLORADO OIL AND GAS COMMUNITIES 

In December, 2006, the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission approved several new restrictions that limit oil and gas industry emissions. The changes were made in an effort to curb emissions of ozone-forming compounds, which are affecting air quality across the state and in the Denver region.  Read more about the 2006 Air Quality Rule Changes.

COLORADO NOISE RULES WEAKENED AT INDUSTRY'S REQUEST

In December of 2005, the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) amended Rule 802, making it one of the more stringent noise regulations for oil and gas operations in the country.  This was a major victory for landowners across the state.  The Colorado oil and gas industry reacted by immediately challenging one of the most hardfought provisions of the new rule, i.e., a requirement to reduce oil and gas noise to 45 decibels in rural, agricultural and residential areas.

In September, 2006, despite the testimony of several affected landowners, and information indicating that industry could afford to reduce noise to the 45 decibel level, the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commissioners caved to industry's wishes, and overturned the earlier decision to lower noise in rural, agricultural and residential areas.  

Find out more information about noise from oil and gas development. 

Protections for Wild Places

VICTORY FOR THE VALLE VIDAL:  Landmark Valle Vidal Protection Act Becomes Law

New Mexico's Valle Vidal.   Photo credit:  Jim O'Donnell

President Bush signed the Valle Vidal Protection Act into law in mid-December. The new law will permanently protect the Valle Vidal, one of New Mexico's greatest natural treasures, by withdrawing the area from mineral leasing.

The Valle Vidal (Spanish for "Valley of Life") is a lush mountain basin in the heart of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in northern New Mexico. A majestic landscape of breathtaking vistas and abundant wildlife, it is often referred to as "New Mexico's Yellowstone."

Read the most recent news on the Valle Vidal.

OTHER WILD PLACES

OGAP and its partner organizations are working to protect other wild places such as Otero Mesa, the HDs Mountains and the Beartooth Front. 

Find out about these wild places and about oil and gas development on public lands.

Publications

OGAP has produced Oil and Gas at Your Door? A landowner's guide to oil and gas development.  This 200-page book has been written to help demystify oil and gas development, and educate landowners on their legal rights and the laws that pertain to oil and gas. 

Download or order a guide today!