New Mexico Air Quality Permitting Support

The New Mexico Environment Department’s Air Quality Bureau is responsible for protecting the public health of New Mexicans and preserving the natural beauty of the state by preventing the deterioration of air quality from sources such as power plants, cement plants, and oil and gas exploration and production activities. New Mexico is currently the second highest oil-producing state in the United States, with over 600 million barrels produced in 2023. While providing an economic boost to the state, this activity has presented challenges to maintaining air quality throughout New Mexico.

ERG has been supporting NMED in reviewing and issuing minor source construction permits for oil and gas exploration and production sites, including well pads, tanks, batteries, and gathering and boosting stations. As part of the review and issuance process, ERG is reviewing permit applications to ensure accuracy with respect to appropriate emission estimates, process descriptions and process diagrams, state and federal regulatory analysis, and internal consistency. ERG works closely with NMED staff and the permit applicants to ensure timely review of the applications, which are required to be issued within thirty days of receipt.