IPANM (October 10, 2023) – Recent efforts by activist groups pushing state regulators to increase arbitrary setbacks through new statewide regulations in New Mexico are based on falsehoods and debunked studies. Additional recent media reporting in New Mexico has also not adequately told the whole story regarding the disinformation campaign about setbacks being perpetuated by anti-oil & gas groups.  For that reason, IPANM has issued the following statement:

“IPANM supports existing municipal setback regulations in New Mexico that work best for the communities and populations they serve, and oil & gas operators already adhere to those restrictions out of respect of citizens’ health concerns.

Proposals that call for unnecessary setbacks from thousands of feet to upwards of miles are arbitrary, pushed by activist groups with motives to end all oil & gas use, and discompassionate to those who may depend on development royalties to stay out of poverty, such as what is occurring with denied access to leases around Chaco Canyon.

Activist groups repeatedly cite their own unaccredited studies as fact, point to other studies that purport illnesses that cannot be proven, or repeatedly push out findings have already been disavowed by top health officials.”  –Jim Winchester, Executive Director, IPANM