An analysis released Tuesday shows over 144,000 New Mexicans live or attend school near oil and gas operations. Environmental advocates are warning of health consequences and calling on the federal government to step up its regulation of the industry.
is an interactive tool that shows data on those living within what it calls a 鈥�,鈥� within half a mile of oil and gas production sites. Its co-creator Alan Septoff with the environmental group says people in this radius have more cause for concern, but not all will have negative health impacts.
鈥淚t鈥檚 not a bright line,鈥� Septoff said at Tuesday. 鈥淚t does not mean that if you鈥檙e living within the Threat Radius you鈥檙e doomed and if you live outside it, you鈥檙e safe.鈥�
The health issues that can occur are from toxic , like benzene, which is emitted alongside methane and . point to increased rates of birth defects, and neurological and respiratory illness in people near oil and gas facilities.
shows about 75% of San Juan County residents live within this radius, including over half of the county鈥檚 Native American population, according to 2020 Census data. And in Eddy County are living in the radius now than five years ago.
Advocates like Kayley Shoup with in Carlsbad say they hope the map will empower residents who are experiencing health impacts and will also spur more federal regulation. While New Mexico has , Shoup says, neighboring Texas has fewer industry regulations.
鈥淓missions do not know borders,鈥� Shoup said at Tuesday鈥檚 news conference. 鈥淪o, EPA rules will make sure that Texans are even better protected, but then also New Mexicans.鈥�
The Environmental Protection Agency is to reduce oil and gas pollution. The agency plans to finalize the rule later this year.
