New Mexico Rep. Debra Sariñana, D-Albuquerque, has filed legislation to restrict new oil and gas production, aiming to protect children in schools and prevent emissions in areas with high ozone levels. The proposed bills, Children’s Health Protection Zones (HB 35) and air quality regulations (HB 33), are currently up for consideration in the upcoming legislative session. The Center for Biological Diversity supports these measures, emphasizing the health impacts of oil and gas emissions on children and communities.
HB 35 seeks to establish setbacks from schools to limit new oil and gas wells within a mile, while also promoting the phasing out of existing wells in the vicinity. This legislation aims to address health issues such as asthma and cancer associated with exposure to oil and gas emissions. On the other hand, HB 33 targets areas with high ozone levels, aiming to prevent new emissions in counties affected by poor air quality. Ozone levels have been rising in the Permian Basin, prompting the state to adopt ozone precursor rules to reduce the industry’s impact on air quality.
The New Mexico Environment Department recently received $500,000 for a mobile air monitoring lab as part of a settlement agreement with OXY USA Inc. to address rising ozone levels. These initiatives reflect growing concerns over the environmental and health impacts of oil and gas operations in the state. Sariñana’s bills represent a step towards safeguarding public health and environmental quality in New Mexico, as state lawmakers prepare to address these issues in the upcoming legislative session.
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