New Mexico regulators have banned the use of PFAS in fracking, but environmental advocates argue the lack of full chemical disclosure weakens enforcement and leaves communities at risk.
Alaina Mencinger reports for The Santa Fe New Mexican.
In short:
- The New Mexico Oil Conservation Commission voted to prohibit PFAS in fracking, requiring operators to certify non-use.
- Environmentalists say the rule is undermined by the absence of full chemical disclosure, which could hinder enforcement and emergency response.
- The state legislature is considering a bill that would mandate disclosure of all chemicals used in fracking.
Key quote:
“Without full disclosure, you can’t enforce a PFAS ban. Your inspectors don’t even fully know what’s going on when there’s a spill, let alone first responders who have to respond urgently to well fires.”
— Melissa Troutman, climate and health advocate for WildEarth Guardians
Why this matters:
PFAS, often called "forever chemicals," persist in the environment and have been linked to cancer and reproductive harm. New Mexico's recent ban on PFAS in certain applications marks an attempt to limit exposure, but the larger concern remains: the oil and gas industry’s use of these chemicals and its ability to withhold information about them under trade secret protections. This lack of transparency makes it difficult to assess potential contamination of drinking water, particularly for communities living near fracking operations.
In states like Colorado, where full chemical disclosure is required, oil and gas production has continued without disruption, calling into question why similar transparency measures face resistance in New Mexico. Without greater accountability, public health experts warn that residents — especially those in vulnerable rural areas — may be unknowingly exposed to hazardous substances, with few options for recourse.
Related EHN coverage: PFAS: The latest toxic concern for those near fracking
