Although we had hoped the preemption bill would go through the House floor this past weekend, there were some intervening issues which delayed the debate until later this week. When it is on the House floor I would encourage you to listen in via webcasting which you can access on www.nmlegis.gov.

Tomorrow afternoon SB421 will be heard in the Senate Conservation Committee. This bill will amend the zoning authority of both counties and municipalities to prohibit them from having any ordinances concerning oil and gas, mining or agricultural issues. This bill is different from the IPANM bill HB 366, which clarifies that the NMOCD is the only authority to regulate conservation, extraction, processing and storage of oil and gas. Our bill still allows for zoning authority in areas other than those listed. If you have the time I would encourage you to listen in via webcast as well.

Preemption is an issue that is of primary concern to IPANM and we will support Senator Ingle’s bill in the Conservation Committee tomorrow.