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Western Leaders Network

@westernleaders.bsky.social
110 followers 104 following 238 posts

Local, tribal, and state leaders advancing climate and conservation initiatives and protecting democracy in the Interior West.

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Western Leaders Network @westernleaders.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
Now that EPA is planning to roll back federal #cutmethane rules, bold state action like we’re seeing in Colorado is more important than ever.
cpr.org
Trump administration to loosen oil and gas methane standards, weeks after Colorado adopts stricter rules
The announcement came after Colorado became the first state in the country to fully adopt the EPA’s 2024 standards
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Western Leaders Network @westernleaders.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
EPA is preparing to weaken the 2024 #cutmethane rule, despite the rule’s broad support across stakeholder groups and local, tribal and state elected officials. Read our statement: www.westernleaders.org/epa-methane-...
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Western Leaders Network @westernleaders.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
3 local election administrators from very different corners of Colorado have an important message for voters. "We agree completely that Colorado’s elections work, that they are safe and secure, and that they will run as usual in November." #DemocracyChampions
durangoherald.com
Your ballot is coming. Don’t let anyone talk you out of voting
As three of Colorado’s 64 county clerks, we want to send a clear message to Colorado voters: Our election systems remain secure and are working as intended.
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Western Leaders Network @westernleaders.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
The rule goes into effect Monday, marking the end of a months-long process aimed at ensuring New Mexico taxpayers and the beneficiaries of state Trust lands do not bear the cost of oil and gas contamination or wastewater spills.
sourcenm.com
New Mexico State Land Office finalizes increased bonding requirements for oil and gas operators • Source New Mexico
The State Land Office also sued NM oil industry groups seeking a judge's affirmation that the office has authority to implement the rule.
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CleanAirMoms-CO @cleanairmoms-co.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
1/ Colorado is leading the way on methane protections. 💙 Last week, the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission voted unanimously to adopt methane standards for existing oil and gas operations—an important step for cleaner air, healthier communities, and families living nearby
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Western Leaders Network @westernleaders.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Research shows many emissions from low-producing wells come from maintenance problems that can be fixed through routine inspections and repairs. The solution is simple: find leaks, fix leaks, waste less natural gas. That’s what the EPA 2024 #cutmethane rule does.
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Western Leaders Network @westernleaders.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Colorado air-quality regulators approved a third and final set of rules Friday to reduce methane emissions released in oil and gas production, becoming the first state to draw up regulations based on 2024 EPA guidelines.
tsscolorado.com
Colorado approves new methane regulations for oil-and-gas producers | The Sum and Substance
The new rules require more frequent monitoring and reporting on equipment designed to prevent fugitive methane emissions.
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Western Leaders Network @westernleaders.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Join us September 3: @americanprogress.bsky.social and @wilderness.org will discuss a policy solution to protect #publiclands AND diversify local economies that rely heavily on fossil fuels. Register: tinyurl.com/mstetefz
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Western Leaders Network @westernleaders.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Join us September 3: @americanprogress.bsky.social and @wilderness.org will discuss a policy solution to protect #publiclands AND diversify local economies that rely heavily on fossil fuels. Register: tinyurl.com/mstetefz
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Western Leaders Network @westernleaders.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
A @westernpriorities.org analysis found that commenters overwhelmingly are against proposed changes to BLM's oil and gas leasing rule. That includes 150+ local, tribal, and state elected officials who signed this letter to the agency: www.westernleaders.org/blm-oil-gas-...
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Western Leaders Network @westernleaders.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
150+ local, tribal, and state elected officials say NO to an Interior proposal that would slash fees for the #oilandgas industry at taxpayers’ expense, gut private property rights, and reduce public participation in leasing decisions. Read our letter: tinyurl.com/yk8v3xhw
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Western Leaders Network @westernleaders.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
SEPTEMBER 3: Join @americanprogress.bsky.social & @wilderness.org to learn about policy solutions to help communities diversify their economies. Register: tinyurl.com/mstetefz
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Western Leaders Network @westernleaders.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Learn about one rural Arizona election official's journey from election skeptic to defender in this article from Governing magazine:
governing.com
An Arizona Official's Road From Election Skeptic to Election Defender
Michelle Burchill had doubts about election integrity when she took a voter registration job in a rural Arizona county. They fell away on her road to county recorder.
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Don Schreiber/Methane Mad Man @vivarioarriba.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
New Mexico rancher Don Schreiber criticized Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and the Bureau of Land Management for the changes... “They just want the landowners out of the way.” Every American landowner should be outraged, not just farmers and ranchers. northdakotamonitor.com/2026/08/24/i...
northdakotamonitor.com
Interior’s oil rule changes silence landowners, put land at risk, groups say • North Dakota Monitor
A North Dakota landowner is among those protesting oil and gas rule changes proposed by the federal government.
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Western Leaders Network @westernleaders.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Our network stands for #publiclands – and the public having a voice in the decisions that affect them. Read our letter, signed by 150+ local, tribal, and state elected officials, opposing changes to BLM’s Oil & Gas Rule: www.westernleaders.org/blm-oil-gas-...
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Western Leaders Network @westernleaders.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
WLN leaders value a participatory democracy and the public lands that sustain community health, local budgets, and countless livelihoods. That’s why 150+ local, tribal, and state electeds are against weakening BLM's Oil & Gas Rule. Read our letter: www.westernleaders.org/blm-oil-gas-...
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Western Leaders Network @westernleaders.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Would you want a courtesy call if the fed govt planned to lease resources under your land? @highcountrynews.org writes about BLM's proposal to remove landowner notification requirements from the Oil & Gas Rule, and how ranchers like @vivarioarriba.bsky.social would be impacted.
hcn.org
The BLM may stop notifying landowners about drilling under private land. Ranchers are alarmed - High Country News
Western cattlemen are poised to lose almost all opportunity to comment on oil and gas development underneath their property.
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Western Leaders Network @westernleaders.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Don’t miss this Sept. 3 webinar: @americanprogress.bsky.social and @wilderness.org will discuss policy solutions to stabilize local and state budgets that depend on fossil fuel revenues. Register here: tinyurl.com/5n8r2fjt
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Western Leaders Network @westernleaders.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Methane leaks cost local governments and their communities through lost energy revenue, wasted resources, and polluted air. Technology to address these leaks already exists. EPA must support commonsense solutions to #CutMethane.
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Western Leaders Network @westernleaders.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
The New Mexico Environment Department has proposed a new rule aimed at cutting down on pollution from natural gas. The department is asking the Environmental Improvement Board to implement a rule creating a new program to find large methane leaks at oil and gas operations.
krqe.com
New Mexico Environment Department proposing rule aimed at finding large methane leaks
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – The New Mexico Environment Department has proposed a new rule aimed at cutting down on pollution from natural gas. The department is asking the Environmental Improvement Bo…
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Western Leaders Network @westernleaders.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
"If wells are left abandoned, they threaten the wildlife populations and landscapes that support Colorado’s hunting, fishing, wildlife watching and outdoor recreation economy. The reforms adopted two years ago were intended to prevent exactly this outcome."
coloradonewsline.com
Coloradans shouldn't have to pay to clean up abandoned oil wells  | Colorado Newsline
This debate comes down to a simple question: Who should pay to clean up oil and gas wells after production ends?
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Western Leaders Network @westernleaders.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Excellent piece from @envdefensefund.bsky.social explaining the costly, wasteful, and solvable problem of methane pollution from low-producing oil and gas wells. #cutmethane
texastribune.org
The Big Business Behind Texas’ Smallest Wells - The Texas Tribune
Low-producing wells account for 5% of oil and gas production but roughly half of methane emissions at oil and gas well sites. The ownership data tells a story many Texans haven’t heard.
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Western Leaders Network @westernleaders.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
“If this rule is finalized, it will cost us not just access to & protections for our lands, but a vital stone in the foundation of our democracy.” Three Western leaders voice concerns on BLM Oil & Gas Rule proposal, call on public to weigh in before Aug. 24 comment deadline. @wyofile.com
tinyurl.com
Opinion | Proposed changes to federal oil and gas provisions are bad for public land, private property owners and democracy
But it's not too late, write guest columnists Shelly Fyant, Don Schreiber and Kim Pexton. The Bureau of Land Management is taking public comment on the proposed revisions till Aug. 24.
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Western Leaders Network @westernleaders.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Democracy, not just public lands, at risk under proposal to overhaul the 2024 BLM Oil & Gas Rule. Read more in this @wyofile.com op-ed by leaders from WY, MT, and NM, and submit your public comments to BLM by Aug. 24. tinyurl.com/2z33zu5m
tinyurl.com
Opinion | Proposed changes to federal oil and gas provisions are bad for public land, private property owners and democracy
But it's not too late, write guest columnists Shelly Fyant, Don Schreiber and Kim Pexton. The Bureau of Land Management is taking public comment on the proposed revisions till Aug. 24.
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Western Leaders Network @westernleaders.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
“It is fundamentally un-American to undermine basic property rights, reduce public comment periods to mere days, hand corporate responsibility off to taxpayers & impose fees on using your voice.” - MT, WY & NM leaders sound off on BLM Oil & Gas Rule proposal. @vivarioarriba.bsky.social @wyofile.com
wyofile.com
Opinion | Proposed changes to federal oil and gas provisions are bad for public land, private property owners and democracy
But it's not too late, write guest columnists Shelly Fyant, Don Schreiber and Kim Pexton. The Bureau of Land Management is taking public comment on the proposed revisions till Aug. 24.
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Western Leaders Network @westernleaders.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Join @dinecare.bsky.social, @envdefensefund.bsky.social, and partners Aug. 6 in Santa Fe for a discussion on #methane pollution on the Navajo Nation, and how tribal and state leaders can take action as federal pollution safeguards are weakened. Reserve your spot:
eventbrite.com
Navajo Methane Animation Screening & Panel Discussion
Join us for a screening and panel discussion of a new animation detailing the impacts of methane on Diné communities. Food & Drink Served.
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Western Leaders Network @westernleaders.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
A proposal to overhaul federal oil and gas rules would put water resources, cultural sites, wildlife, and more at risk. In this @coloradosun.com op-ed, 2 elected officials explain what's at stake and how you can say “NO” to this public lands giveaway.
coloradosun.com
Opinion: New BLM proposal and lease sales will devastate Colorado public lands, communities
Colorado lands and public’s say in what happens to them is on the line as BLM ramps up oil and gas leasing, proposes major program changes.
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Western Leaders Network @westernleaders.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Are you a candidate, election administrator, elected official, or other civic leader who is committed to free, fair, and safe elections? Take our #Democracy Pledge. #ProtectDemocracy #DemocracyChampions www.westernleaders.org/democracy-pl...
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Western Leaders Network @westernleaders.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
If BLM’s Oil and Gas Rule revisions are finalized, “what we’ll have left is a system that blatantly favors extraction as leasing activity ramps up to levels we haven’t seen in over a decade.” – State Rep. Naquetta Ricks and Carbondale Mayor Erica Sparhawk @coloradosun.com
coloradosun.com
Opinion: New BLM proposal and lease sales will devastate Colorado public lands, communities
Colorado lands and public’s say in what happens to them is on the line as BLM ramps up oil and gas leasing, proposes major program changes.
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Western Leaders Network @westernleaders.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
“We’re calling on chapter leaders across the Navajo Nation to oppose federal rollbacks and demand strong methane regulations. These aren’t symbolic gestures — they build a public record of community support that strengthens our land.” - @dinecare.bsky.social for the @thenewmexican.bsky.social
santafenewmexican.com
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Diné C.A.R.E. @dinecare.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Join us at the Navajo Nation Museum this Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 5:30 PM MDT for the premiere of “Oil & Gas Methane Waste and Pollution on the Navajo Nation.” Tabling and community dinner begin at 5:30 PM MDT, and the English and Navajo versions of the animation video will screen at 6:30 PM MDT.
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Western Leaders Network @westernleaders.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
"With this rule now finalized, the companies that develop Utah’s resources, not my constituents, will bear the cost of restoring our state’s landscapes and protecting our groundwater and air quality for future generations." @sltrib.com #Accountability #OilandGas www.sltrib.com/opinion/lett...
sltrib.com
Letter: New rule ensures that companies that develop Utah’s resources will bear the cost of restoring our state’s landscapes
Letter: New rule ensures that companies that develop Utah’s resources will bear the cost of restoring our state’s landscapes
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Western Leaders Network @westernleaders.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
"With this rule now finalized, the companies that develop Utah’s resources, not my constituents, will bear the cost of restoring our state’s landscapes." - Salt Lake County Councilor on Utah's recently updated oil and gas bonding program. #OilandGas #Accountability @sltrib.com
sltrib.com
Letter: New rule ensures that companies that develop Utah’s resources will bear the cost of restoring our state’s landscapes
Letter: New rule ensures that companies that develop Utah’s resources will bear the cost of restoring our state’s landscapes
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Western Leaders Network @westernleaders.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
New Mexico's oil and gas bonding program is now among the strongest in the nation. This San Juan Co. Commissioner explains how the newly adopted reforms lower the risk of well abandonment and support a more enduring economic foundation for NM. #Accountability #ProtectNM #OilandGas
santafenewmexican.com
Oil and gas bonding reform: Good for New Mexico
In the San Juan Basin, oil and gas has been part of the fabric of daily life for the past century. Like all major oil and gas-producing regions, the boom-and-bust
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Western Leaders Network @westernleaders.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Letter in @abqjournal.bsky.social from Rio Arriba County Commissioner Alex Naranjo commends New Mexico for updating state bonding rules, which are now among the nation’s strongest: #ProtectNM #OilandGas #Accountability
abqjournal.com
Readers sound off on mosque, drugs, oil wells and AI
From religious freedom to data center water use, New Mexicans share strong opinions on the issues shaping our state.
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Western Leaders Network @westernleaders.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
“The impacts of orphaned wells are not abstract for local governments.” San Juan County Commissioner GloJean Todacheene shares in @thenewmexican.bsky.social why recent updates to the state’s oil and gas bonding program are a win for New Mexico communities.
santafenewmexican.com
Oil and gas bonding reform: Good for New Mexico
In the San Juan Basin, oil and gas has been part of the fabric of daily life for the past century. Like all major oil and gas-producing regions, the boom-and-bust
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Western Leaders Network @westernleaders.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
ICYMI. New updates to NM's bonding program will require a financial assurance of $150,000 for the highest-risk wells and tighten restrictions around well transfers and inactive wells. #ProtectNM #OilandGas #Accountability
santafenewmexican.com
New Mexico regulators tighten oil, gas rules aimed at cleaning up old wells
The state Oil Conservation Commission's new rules come as a response to concerns over "orphaned wells" throughout the state.
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Western Leaders Network @westernleaders.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
In this @sltrib.com op-ed, a Grand County Commissioner speaks out against the BLM's proposed overhaul of its onshore oil and gas program.
sltrib.com
Voices: Rolling back the Oil and Gas Rule is a bad deal for Utah
“While we all use oil and gas, there is no reason for taxpayers to pick up the tab on clean up or miss out on important royalties from resources on the public lands which we all own,” Jacques Hadler w...
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Western Leaders Network @westernleaders.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
"Scientists have said the conditions are the result of a climate that is 'fundamentally different' from the time before fossil fuel use started rapidly warming the world."
nytimes.com
Without Climate Change, U.S. Heat Wave Called ‘Virtually Impossible’
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Western Leaders Network @westernleaders.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
“By modernizing the state’s bonding program, the Oil Conservation Commission establishes New Mexico as a national leader, holds industry accountable for its own mess, and stands up for the natural resources that local elected officials and their communities rely on.”
westernlaw.org
New Mexico modernizes oil, gas industry bonding, cleanup rules, now among nation’s strongest - Western Environmental Law Center
The New Mexico Oil Conservation Commission voted Wednesday to reform outdated oil and gas bonding and cleanup rules, adopting some of the strongest safeguards in the country to prevent orphan wells an...
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Don Schreiber/Methane Mad Man @vivarioarriba.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
Thank you, WORC, for sounding the alarm abt Trump's latest attack on the Bureau of Land Management's commonsense protections for clean air and clean water. Interior Sec'y Doug Burgum wants to cut those protections to make it easier for Big Oil to make Big Money faster. We can't let that happen.
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Western Leaders Network @westernleaders.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Last spring, local elected officials in Utah sent a letter calling on the state Board of Oil, Gas and Mining to modernize oil and gas bonding requirements. Last week, after 5+ years of work, the Board finalized a rule. Read the local officials’ letter here: www.westernleaders.org/utah-elected...
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Western Leaders Network @westernleaders.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Utah has adopted a risk-based approach to financial assurance that keeps the cost of cleanup with operators. Local elected officials throughout the state support this rule, which will help protect their constituents' wallets and reduce the risk of well abandonment.
upr.org
The oil well bonding system is broken. Could a new Utah rule help?
A new Utah rule intended to protect the environment from unplugged oil wells would impose higher restrictions on companies with higher risk profiles.
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Western Leaders Network @westernleaders.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
"Rolling back the Oil and Gas Rule is yet another attempt by the administration to hand our freedom to access and enjoy public lands over to the oil and gas industry." @wilderness.org
wilderness.org
BLM Oil and Gas Rule rollback announced; 60-day comment period to follow
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Western Leaders Network @westernleaders.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
Wildlife habitat, endangered animals and recreation could all be at risk in state’s biggest public land sale in modern history.
coloradonewsline.com
Feds to open tens of thousands of acres of Colorado wilderness to oil drilling | Colorado Newsline
Wildlife habitat, endangered animals and recreation could all be at risk in Colorado's biggest public land sale in modern history.
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Western Leaders Network @westernleaders.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
TODAY at 1pm MT: Join us and @wilderness.org for a webinar - "Federal Oil and Gas Leasing: What Local Governments Need to Know." Save your spot: tinyurl.com/pnswyh4k
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Western Leaders Network @westernleaders.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
"Holy Cross Energy delivered 100% clean energy to its 45k+ members in March, a renewable power landmark for the Colorado cooperative and a signal that the federal turn back toward fossil fuels has not impeded all climate change initiatives in the state."
tinyurl.com
How one place in Colorado achieved 100% clean energy this spring
Holy Cross Energy in Glenwood Springs delivered 100% clean energy to its 45,000-plus members in March, a renewable power landmark for the cooperative.
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Western Leaders Network @westernleaders.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
WLN’s @vivarioarriba.bsky.social and family voted in Dulce, NM today. Thank you to the Jicarilla Apache Nation election workers for helping people exercise their democratic right!
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Western Leaders Network @westernleaders.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
BLM oil and gas lease sales can have major environmental and economic impacts on communities. Join us w/ @wilderness.org June 4 @ 1 PM MT to learn how local governments can take action. Register: tinyurl.com/pnswyh4k
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Source New Mexico @sourcenm.com · 28/05/2026
The New Mexico State Land Office on Wednesday began a two-day public hearing over a proposal that would increase the amount of money oil and gas companies operating on state land must guarantee for plugging and cleaning wells.
buff.ly
New Mexico State Land Office holds hearings to increase oil and gas bond costs • Source New Mexico
Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard said higher oil and gas bond costs will make sure New Mexicans don't "pick up the tab."
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