New Mexico Oil and Gas Pit Rule Re-Write

Location: Statewide

Opposing Parties: New Mexico Oil & Gas Association and Independent Petroleum Producers

Initiation Date: March 2012

Status: On-going

Clients/Partners: Oil and Gas Accountability Project (OGAP)

Attorneys: Eric Jantz

Issues:

Represent clients against industry groups’ petition before the NM Oil Conservation Commission seeking to weaken New Mexico’s “Pit Rule.“  The Pit Rule regulates the disposal and storage of oil and gas drilling wastes.

Public hearing begins May 14th, 2012 in Santa Fe, NM. See Action Alert

At Stake:

Surface water and groundwater quality protection; protection of livestock and wildlife.

Latest News:

05/08/2012 - NMELC files Motion to Recuse members of the Oil Conservation Commission and requests full disclosure.

05/04/2012 - NMELC files Notice of Intent to present technical testimony at the Pit Rule amendment hearing.

03/27/2012 - The first Pit Rule was appealed to State District Court in 2008; a stay was granted in that case in February 2012 pending the outcome of this new rulemaking. Learn more about the case leading to this hearing.

Case Files:

05/08/2012 - Motion to Recuse and Motion to Take Administrative Notice.

05/04/2012 - OGAP’s Notice of Intent to Present Technical Testimony.