New Mexico regulators advanced an oil-industry-backed plan this week to allow treating and reusing oil field wastewater, but they’re far from a final decision.
If adopted, the plan could help the oil industry solve an expensive and growing problem that comes from increased drilling. Critics have argued that oil field wastewater can’t be recycled and discharged back into the environment safely.
New Mexico’s Water Quality Control Commission voted 7-4 on Tuesday to hold a hearing on a rulemaking petition to allow treatment and reuse of oil field waste, with one member absent and one abstaining. Some of the members who voted in favor of holding the hearing said they’re still skeptical. The commission could spend months debating the issue. A date for the hearing hasn’t been announced.
“Just because we have a hearing doesn’t mean we adopt a rule,” Commissioner Michael Sloane said. “And if we adopt a rule, it doesn’t mean we’ll ever have a discharge.”
