NM Oil Conservation Commission Hearing to Ban PFAS and Secret Chemicals in Fracking Begins Tomorrow

Organization Press Release – From WildEarth Guardians

Between 2013 and 2022, oil and gas companies injected more than 240 million pounds of chemicals into over 9,000 wells across New Mexico—90% of which contained at least one undisclosed chemical.

SANTA FE, N.M. – During public hearings November 12-15th, WildEarth Guardians will urge the New Mexico Oil Conservation Commission to ban the use of toxic perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl (together called PFAS) chemicals in oil and gas operations and require disclosure for any other chemicals used.

The three-person Commission will consider arguments for and against the proposed changes to oil and gas rules from WildEarth Guardians and intervening parties, including New Mexico Oil and Gas Association, New Energy Economy, and EOG Resources.

“Water is life,” said Tim Davis, staff attorney for WildEarth Guardians. “In a state where every drop of water counts, allowing toxic chemicals like PFAS to be injected underground by oil and gas companies endangers not just our water, but public health, wildlife, and future generations.”

PFAS is a catch-all name for toxic chemicals that do not break down organically, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.” They are harmful in tiny amounts and accumulate in land, water, and human bodies.

Studies have shown that PFAS is linked to increased cancer risk, metabolism changes, decreased ability of the immune system to fight infection, increased risk of Type 2 diabetes in women, decreased bone mineral density, and liver damage. Studies have also shown potential links between PFAS and increased cholesterol levels, decreased birth weight, pregnancy-induced hypertension, preeclampsia, and changes in liver enzymes.

Between 2013 and 2022, oil and gas companies injected more than 240 million pounds of chemicals into over 9,000 wells across New Mexico—90% of which contained at least one undisclosed chemical. Some of these chemicals, which are used extensively in the Permian Basin, are PFAS, potential PFAS, or precursors that can degrade into PFAS.

This lack of transparency puts groundwater and public health at significant risk, with weak disclosure rules that prevent communities from knowing which hazardous chemicals are being used, and shields fracking operators from accountability.

“New Mexico needs to catch up to other states on chemical disclosure,” said Melissa Troutman, climate and energy advocate at WildEarth Guardians. “New Mexico’s Permian Basin is adding more new wells faster than anywhere in the country.

“Meanwhile, families experiencing health impacts, doctors, emergency first responders, and people relying on well water in New Mexico aren’t provided the full list of chemicals that companies are spilling and injecting underground, even in earthquake-prone areas where wells are more likely to leak.”

The public is invited to attend the hearings, either in person or online, to share their views with Oil Conservation Commissioners on banning PFAS and enforcing chemical disclosure. For more information about attending, visit wildearthguardians.org/leak-of-the-week or DefendNMWater.org/take-action.

For more information contact Melissa Troutman, Climate and Energy Advocate, melissa.troutman@wildearthguardians.org