New Mexico

New Mexico lawmakers seek more data on limiting drilling near homes and schools

Published

2 years ago

June 12, 2024

New Mexico lawmakers seek more data on limiting drilling near homes and schools

In the last legislative session, no reforms were made to oil and gas regulations despite bills to impose fines for oil spills, limit fresh water use and create buffers around schools. Looking forward to next year’s session, the Legislative Finance Committee met in oil-rich southeastern New Mexico Tuesday to discuss reintroducing one of those failed proposals — setbacks for wells.

Setbacks would prohibit oil and gas drilling within a certain distance of homes, highways, schools and surface waters.

Republican Senator William Sharer questioned the effectiveness of such a buffer, arguing more data is needed.

“If we’re going to setback, how far do you have to set it back for it to make an actual difference? 100 yards, 100 miles, 1000 miles?” he said.

Republican Representative Cathrynn Brown echoed those concerns, she said the committee needed more information about the health impacts of emissions before moving forward.

“I think we all want to live healthy. There’s no debate about that. But what I see here is a true lack of science,” she said.

Democratic Senator George Muñoz, chair of the interim committee, criticized the state Environment Department for not attending the meeting to share its expertise with the panel. While the department was absent due to scheduling conflicts, according to Muñoz, he said the committee could use its subpoena power to compel it to testify in the future.

“If we need to get to the truth and really need to resolve some issues, we’ll get there,” he said.

Reached for comment, spokesperson for the Environment Department Jorge Estrada declined to comment on what was said in the meeting since department officials weren’t there. He added that, although the agency regulates oil and gas emissions, it does not have authority to establish or enforce setbacks.

Support for this coverage comes from the Thornburg Foundation.

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New Mexico

New Mexico veteran cemetery coming to Carlsbad via $8M in federal funds – Carlsbad Current-Argus

Published

11 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

New Mexico veteran cemetery coming to Carlsbad via M in federal funds – Carlsbad Current-Argus

Mack Dyer salutes the American Flag during a ceremony, Feb. 25, 2026 at the American Legion in Carlsbad. Adrian Hedden | Carlsbad Current-Argus

Adrian Hedden Carlsbad Current-Argusachedden@currentargus.com Mack Dyer served for 21 years in the U.S. Army. He fought in Operation Desert Storm in 1991 and Operation Iraqi…

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New Mexico

New Mexico spoils Nevada’s Senior Day as Lobos leave Reno with 63-56 win

Published

23 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

New Mexico spoils Nevada’s Senior Day as Lobos leave Reno with 63-56 win

The Nevada women’s basketball team dropped its final home contest of the 2025-26 season on Saturday with New Mexico spoiling Senior Day and pushing past the Wolf Pack for a 63-56 win.

The Wolf Pack led 36-34 at halftime behind a hot-shooting start. Skylar Durley, Imbie Jones and Ahrray Young each had six points as Nevada shot 14-of-25 from the field (56%). But things cooled off in the second half, with the Lobos outscoring the Wolf Pack 19-13 in the third quarter to take a four-point lead into the fourth. Nevada’s shooting woes only worsened in the final period when it made just three field goals, including none in the final four minutes.

Durley led Nevada with 16 points and six rebounds. Young finished with 10 points, three rebounds and three assists. The Wolf Pack made just one three-pointer out of its nine attempts.

The loss drops Nevada to 9-20 overall, 5-14 within the Mountain West Conference. The Wolf Pack now heads to Utah State for Tuesday’s regular-season finale before opening the Mountain West Tournament play next Saturday in Las Vegas.

Watch our coverage of the game below.

Highlights and reaction from Nevada’s loss to New Mexico.

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