Kayley Shoup: Moratorium on future oil, gas leasing near schools a “good first step”
Kayley Shoup, community organizer for IPL NM-El Paso affiliate Citizens Caring for the Future in the Permian Basin, spoke to Hannah Glover of The New Mexico Political Report about the impact of a moratorium on future oil and gas leasing on state lands within a mile of schools.
State Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard issued the moratorium in May. She said various studies about the impacts of oil and gas emissions on children’s health prompted her to take action.
But, at the same time, Shoup acknowledged that oil and gas development will continue close to schools because much of the state trust land is already leased and new leases can also occur on other lands, including private and federally managed lands.
This is why Shoup and others are advocating for state-wide setbacks.