by Alexa
Once again, the Water Access Treatment and Reuse Alliance (WATR) is petitioning the New Mexico Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC) to reuse and potentially discharge treated “produced water” into the environment. "Produced water" is considered an environmental euphemism for toxic oil and gas wastewater.
WATR is a 501(c)(6) non-profit designed for business leagues, chambers of commerce, boards of trade, and professional associations. Its members represent the business interests of the oil and gas industry.
In May 2025 the WQCC ruled against a similar WATR backed request. Now the industry is back, citing new research that supports their claim that reuse of this toxic waste can be done safely. These claims are not supported by current science.
Among the organizations that have filed a petition to reject this proposal are Amigos Bravos, Citizens Caring for the Future, Sierra Club, Commissioner of Public Lands, New Mexico State Land Office, WildEarth Guardians, and Center for Biological Diversity.
The WQCC will meet April 14 at 9:00 a.m. at the New Mexico State Capitol, Room 307 to consider WATR’s petition. You can send a comment to WQCC members through the following link, or attend the meeting in person, or participate virtually.
Make your voice heard...! 🌊
Say NO and tell the Commission to keep the May 2025 ban on produced water discharge in place and reject WATR’s proposal.
Additional information can be found at: https://www.env.nm.gov/events-calendar/?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D199425500
