HOUSE BILL 34

57th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2025

INTRODUCED BY

Debra M. Sariñana

AN ACT

RELATING TO THE ENVIRONMENT; REQUIRING THE OIL CONSERVATION COMMISSION AND THE OIL CONSERVATION DIVISION OF THE ENERGY, MINERALS AND NATURAL RESOURCES DEPARTMENT TO PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     SECTION 1. Section 70-2-11 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1935, Chapter 72, Section 9, as amended) is amended to read:

     "70-2-11. POWER OF COMMISSION AND DIVISION TO PREVENT WASTE AND PROTECT CORRELATIVE RIGHTS, PUBLIC HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT.--

          A. The division [is hereby empowered and it is its duty to] shall prevent waste [prohibited by this act] and [to] protect correlative rights [as in this act provided. To that end, the division is empowered to] as provided in the Oil and Gas Act and protect public health and the environment when implementing that act. The division may make and enforce rules [regulations] and orders and [to] do whatever may be reasonably necessary to carry out the purpose of [this act, whether or not indicated or specified in any section hereof] the Oil and Gas Act.

          B. The commission shall have concurrent jurisdiction and authority with the division to the extent necessary for the commission to perform its duties as required by law."

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