It’s not just a small increase that New Mexico regulators propose in oil and gas permitting fees to help fund staff to process applications and enforce rules. In some cases, it would be more than doubling the existing fees.
Environment Secretary James Kenney recently informed a legislative committee that the big jump in fees is needed because regulators are struggling to keep up with permitting and enforcement.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reported the number of general construction permits granted the oil and gas industry grew by more than 2,200% as production increased.
Click here for Santa Fe New Mexican