EARTHWORKS

New Mexicans Win on Waste Pits!

Protect the new pit rule -- write a Letter to the Editor of your local paper

May 9, 2008 -- New Mexico's Oil Conservation Commission (OCC) signed the final version of the oil and gas waste pit rule today. The new rule takes effect over the next several weeks.

Pits under the new rule: lined, permitted, more respectful of water and property
The new pit rule bans unlined pits entirely and requires that all pits are permitted with the Oil Conservation Division (OCD). At long last, the public will finally have an inventory of pits in our state! The new rule also strengthens liner requirements and effectively requires the use of closed loop systems in close proximity to our water resources and homes.

TAKE ACTION: write a letter to the editor
Before celebrating this victory please take a minute to keep up the momentum in holding the oil and gas industry accountable to New Mexicans. Industry lobbyists are still trying to convince legislators and community leaders that common sense oil and gas regulations will drive oil and gas companies out of New Mexico.

Write a letter to your local newspaper and let them know that you support strengthening oil and gas protections and do not want to see this rule or any other oil and gas gains rolled back.

Step 1 - Select a Recipient

The Letter to the Editor (LTE) section of the newspaper is one of the most widely read. Elected officials often monitor this section of the newspaper and take notice of constituents' opinions.

There is no shortage of advice on how to write an LTE. But if you (a) keep it short and to the point, and (b) make sure it stands on its own (for folks that don't know the issue), you'll be fine.

This web interface eases the LTE process by taking the letter you write and emailing it directly to the papers of your choosing.

Get started by entering in your zipcode below.

Step 2 - Write your message

Subject:

Your Letter:

Phone

Click on a point to add it to the letter.

The new pit rule should be celebrated because it is a long overdue, common sense, oil and gas regulation that protects public health, the environment, landowners and communities.

Even while raking in record profits, New Mexico's oil and gas industry has resisted stronger oil and gas protections.

The industry often claims that new regulations are not needed and that 'doing it right' is just a matter of enforcement by the state. But they try to have it both ways. For example, this year they attempted to gut the state oil and gas agency's enforcement budget.

It is often the case that best practices and technologies save companies direct costs in some areas and create indirect efficiencies in others. There was testimony in the pit proceedings that showed best technologies, such as closed loop systems or tanks, actually saved operators money on pit construction and drilling and completion muds.

The pit rule truly does protect water, communities and public health while still allowing for a productive oil and gas industry. It is important to site pits and waste away from water, homes and other community resources, and to use tanks or closed loop systems when they are close to these resources. And, it is critical for the state to know how many pits we have and where they are located.

Step 1 - Select a Recipient

Step 2 - Write your message

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