ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico has reached a record settlement with a Texas-based company over air pollution violations at natural gas gathering sites in the Permian Basin.
The $24.5 million agreement with Ameredev announced Monday is the largest settlement the state Environment Department has ever reached for a civil oil and gas violation. It stems from the flaring of billions of cubic feet of natural gas that the company had extracted over an 18-month period but wasn’t able to transport to downstream processors.
Environment Secretary James Kenney said in an interview that the flared gas would have been enough to have supplied nearly 17,000 homes for a year.
“It’s completely the opposite of the way it’s supposed to work,” Kenney said. “Had they not wasted New Mexico’s resources, they could have put that gas to use.”
The flaring, or burning off of the gas, resulted in more than 7.6 million pounds of excess emissions that included hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and other gases that state regulators said are known to cause respiratory issues and contribute to climate change.
Kristin Cavallari, 37, ignores critics of her age
Channing Tatum transforms into tech billionaire in Blink Twice trailer
Five Rohingya found dead after Arakan Army arrest — Radio Free Asia
Nikola Jokic's brother appears to PUNCH a fan in the face after Nuggets' comeback win over Lakers
Verona confirms Serie A status for another year after beating Salernitana
When can doctors provide emergency abortions in states with strict bans? Supreme Court to weigh in
Nikola Jokic's brother appears to PUNCH a fan in the face after Nuggets' comeback win over Lakers
North Korea sends officials to Iran amid suspected military cooperation — Radio Free Asia
Is US banning TikTok? All you need to know
Pentagon vows to keep weapons moving to Ukraine as Kyiv faces a renewed assault by Russia
Solomon Islands PM Sogavare commands largest bloc in Parliament after election — Radio Free Asia