NMIPL IN THE NEWS

Amplifying the Message about Leaky Wells on the Radio

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Public News Service recently interviewed Kayley Shoup, organizer for Citizens Caring for the Future (an affiliate of NMEP-IPL), about the push by the The Independent Petroleum Association of New Mexico to exclude smaller-producing wells removed from new rules for oil and gas production in counties that are pushing the federal ozone threshold.

Here is a text of the report

“Despite participating in the extensive public process and originally supporting the new rules, the Independent Petroleum Association is now claiming its members should not have to comply and says the rules could cause hundreds, if not thousands, of wells to cease operations prematurely.”

And Kayley’s quote:

“Every other industry is regulated,” she said. “The least they can do is inspect these wells that are leak-prone and causing methane emissions that are warming the planet and also harming the health of communities.”

Read and Listen to Full Report

 

Ann T. McCartney: Oil and gas industry needs to clean up mess

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In good conscience, as oil and gas operators are realizing record profits, they should step up to clean up after themselves and act as better neighbors to New Mexico communities. People of faith and conscience are working now for strong federal rules for pollution that follow New Mexico’s lead.

Ann McCartney, co-chair of the board of New Mexico El Paso Interfaith Power & Light,  had a letter to the editor published  in the Valencia County News-Bulletin on Thursday, September 8. The same letter was published in the Albuquerque Journal on Monday, September 12. Here is an excerpt followed by a link to the full letter in the Valencia County newspaper.

I am very concerned about the health of communities in New Mexico suffering from ill effects of oil and gas.

As a board member of Interfaith Power and Light, our faith communities and people of faith and conscience worked hard on the oil and gas air pollution rules finalized earlier this year by the Environmental Improvement Board.

We offered many comments and spoke in public hearings for rules to address spills, leaks, venting and flaring, which take a toll on all New Mexicans’ health and access to clean air and water. The rules passed by EIB were an important step and safeguard for New Mexicans.

The news that the Independent Petroleum Association of New Mexico (IPANM) intends to sue the state to reverse key provisions of the rules was very disheartening after such a long public process. Industry was part of the long rule-making process. As an ordinary person, I do not understand why IPANM would want to harm the health of our communities — except out of greed.

Read Full Letter

EarthBeat introduces Instagram video series for Season of Creation

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The Season of Creation is officially underway. This ecumenical celebration of God’s presence in nature is observed by Christians worldwide, having begun Sept. 1 and culminating on the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, Oct. 4.

In hopes of encouraging mindful engagement with the season, EarthBeat has partnered with young poet Desiré Findlay to create short meditative videos for praying through themes of ecology and spirituality along the way.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @EarthBeatNCR to access all 10 video reels as they are rolled out one by one throughout the month, and deepen your prayerful experience of the 2022 Season of Creation.

Carlsbad Current Argus. Sep. 3, 2020 New Mexico finalizes oil and gas wastewater regulations, lawmakers hear testimony (Rev. Nick King Quoted)

Las Cruces Sun-News,  Aug. 19, 2020, Report on solving climate crisis brings hope (Co-authored by Michael Sells, Clara Sims and Edith Yanez)

Santa Fe New Mexican, Aug. 15, 2020 Vote your values this November  (Commentary by Larry Rasmussen and Tabitha Arnold)