IPANM Releases Statement on SLO Leasing Moratorium Near Schools 

IPANM (June 1, 2023) – The following statement has been released by Jim Winchester, Executive Director of the Independent Petroleum Association of New Mexico regarding the State Land Commissioner’s announcement related to leasing moratoriums on certain state lands:

“IPANM agrees that safe and reasonable setbacks are necessary between certain production sites and schools, however, we have concerns that the distance to be enforced under the State Land Office’s assumed discretionary authority is arbitrary and isn’t based on any definitive evidence of health impacts.  While it would have been appropriate for the State Land Commissioner to consult with industry before issuing this order carte blanche, we will work with her office on a case-by-case basis if there are particular tracts of land that might otherwise be safely and responsibly developed to provide critical revenues to improve New Mexico’s schools.”

–Jim Winchester
Executive Director, IPANM