eNewMexican

New oil, gas rules can protect health

Safeguarding public health is central to the mission of the Environmental Improvement Board, and it has a rare opportunity to protect the long-term health of New Mexicans with a single action this month.

As it considers the New Mexico Environment Department’s proposed oil and gas pollution rules, the Environmental Improvement Board should include key improvements supported by public health advocates and industry that will deliver the strongest possible protections — especially for frontline communities living closest to well sites.

The American Lung Association gave New Mexico’s top oil and gas producing counties an F grade for ozone in its 2021 State of the Air Report. Oil and gas operations are a significant source of ozone-forming volatile organic compounds and methane emissions from venting, flaring and leaks. Wellsite toxins and smog can worsen respiratory diseases like emphysema, trigger asthma attacks and impact the cardiovascular system.

That is why the board should strengthen the proposed rules to protect frontline communities by requiring more frequent inspections to find and fix leaks at sites in our backyards, accelerate the transition to lower-polluting, zero-bleed pneumatic controllers and ensure the capture of pollution created during well completions.

Barbara Webber executive director Health Action New Mexico

LOCAL & REGION

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2021-09-25T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-09-25T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://enewmexican.com/article/281767042372719

Santa Fe New Mexican