Comment Now - Stop 8,000 New Fracking Wells in NM
Just before the current administration leaves power, it may change the rules so natural-gas companies can drill twice the number of wells in the same space in New Mexico.
Hilcorp has an application before the New Mexico Oil Conservation Commission asking to double the allowable well-density in the Blanco-Mesaverde gas pool across San Juan and Rio Arriba Counties. Under current rules, operators can drill 8 wells per 640 acres and Hilcorp is asking to drill 16 wells per 640-acre section. That’s bad news for the air quality of 13,000 children and adults in San Juan County who already struggle with asthma.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
- Submit your comment letter to Florence Davidson through this letter campaign. We have sample comments and talking points on the next page. Please take the time to personalize your message as decision-makers preference unique comments. Be sure that you reference Hilcorp’s application: Case No. 16403
- Attend the New Mexico Oil Conservation Commission Hearing at 9 a.m. Monday, Nov. 19 at Porter Hall, 1st floor, Wendell Chino Building, 1220 S. St. Francis Drive, Santa Fe, to speak out against this proposal.
- Share this campaign and invite friends to the Faceook Event.
DETAILS
Under current rules, operators can drill eight wells per 640 acres of land. If Hilcorp is granted its exemption, up to 8,000 new wells will be drilled in San Juan and Rio Arriba counties in northwest New Mexico. In addition, the public will no longer have the opportunity to comment on well-density issues in the Blanco-Mesaverde gas pool. Hilcorp’s proposal would circumvent the need to analyze the impacts of more oil and gas development on public health, water resources, air quality, and the environment.
Before the commission makes any decision, Hilcorp’s proposal should take into consideration concerns from the public and impacted communities and include stringent and thorough analysis of environmental, social, and cultural impacts double drilling will have. There are more than 40,000 oil and gas wells in northwestern New Mexico and over 91% of publicly managed lands are leased for oil and gas development. The region is also home to the nation’s largest methane cloud. More wells will mean more reckless venting, leaking, and flaring of methane, threatening the air we breathe and water we drink and exacerbating climate disruption.
LEARN MORE | THE TRUTH ABOUT DOUBLE DRILLING
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