SANTA FE — The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) filed its expert technical testimony ahead of an anticipated hearing on its proposed ozone precursor rule, which will reduce harmful emissions from the oil and gas industry by nearly 260 million pounds annually.

The testimony, which includes over 5,000 pages of technical information from topic experts from NMED and contractors, is the supporting evidence for NMED’s proposed rule which will be presented during a hearing before the Environmental Improvement Board that begins Sept. 20, 2021. Other parties may also file technical testimony during this time and the Department will respond to these filings before the hearing as well. 

The rule focuses on reducing oil and gas industry emissions of oxides of nitrogen and volatile organic compounds, which combine in the atmosphere to form ground-level ozone, in New Mexico counties suffering from the highest levels of pollution.

“We collaborated, we listened, and we are on the cusp of delivering a nationally leading oil and natural gas rule that will address the public health hazard of rising ozone levels,” said NMED Cabinet Secretary James Kenney. “On September 20, the Environmental Improvement Board will take up this science-based proposed rule which the public, environmental groups and industry helped to shape. I am exceptionally proud of our inclusive stakeholder process and the Department staff who tirelessly work for the benefit of New Mexicans and their environment.”

In addition to technical testimony, members of the public and other interested persons will have the opportunity to make non-technical public statements or submit written comments during the hearing.

NMED may still propose changes to the rule in response to information received from stakeholders. The Board will ultimately decide which provisions to adopt after the hearing.

The testimony is posted here (items 17-28). Details on the hearing are available on the NMED Events Calendar.