A new report by the Center for Western Priorities shows there were fewer oil and gas-drilling related spills in 2024 than in 2023 in Colorado and New Mexico while there was an increase in Wyoming.
The three states reported 2,709 drilling-related spills last year that totaled nearly 7 million gallons of oil, wastewater and other hazardous liquids.
The Center’s new report indicated New Mexico’s total volume of liquid spilled declined for a third straight year after the state adopted a 2021 rule allow regulators to fine operators for spills.
“We should not accept this as the cost of producing energy in the West. If there’s one thing to take away from this report, it’s that oil and gas production is inherently dangerous,” said Kate Groetzinger, Communications Manager at the Center.
Click here for Center for Western Priorities release