CTEH Report (Nov. 1, 2024) – CTEH has releases a report summarizing their findings of existing data and studies on the health impacts of well production and whether setbacks are necessary or provide any measurable benefits. Here are some key conclusions:
Leveraging Best Available Science for New Mexico
- Health outcome studies of assumed exposures are largely inconsistent, lack cohesiveness of
findings, and cannot be reliably used to show causal evidence that O&G emissions cause specific
adverse health outcomes. - Measured exposure data collected in communities near oil and gas development in NM and other
states, along with formal risk assessments, have shown chemicals NOT to been at levels of concern
for adverse health risks. - Performance of additional environmental measurement and risk assessment analysis in NM would
reduce scientific uncertainty and public concern for public health impacts. - A policy mandating a prescriptive, “one-size-fits-all” setback is NOT a public health policy based on
best available science. - A process using established frameworks would allow best available science to inform policy to
protect New Mexico citizens.
Setbacks: Decision Making Using Best Available Science (CTEH Report)
