A New Mexico judge hasactually cleared the method for a landmark suit to continue over accusations that the state has stoppedworking to satisfy its constitutional commitments for securing versus oil and gas contamination
ByMORGAN LEE Associated Press and SUSAN MONTOYA BRYAN Associated Press
SANTA FE, N.M. — A New Mexico judge cleared the method Monday for a landmark suit to continue that declares the state has stoppedworking to satisfy its constitutional commitments for safeguarding versus oil and gas contamination.
Environmental groups and Native Americans who live near oil wells in the No. 2 producing state in the U.S. atfirst submitted the case in2023 They are lookingfor compliance with a “pollution control stipulation” in the New Mexico Constitution.
Judge Matthew Wilson rejected a movement by the state to dismiss the case, stating there requires to be more analysis of New Mexico’s obligations under the constitution and that approving the state’s demand would short-circuit that evaluation.
Attorneys for the complainants renowned the judge’s ruling, stating it will enable homeowners of New Mexico who haveactually been living with the effects of more oil and gas advancement in opposite corners of the state to have their day in court.
“The case can go forward on the undeniable truths about the degree of the contamination and the degree of the state’s failure to control that contamination,” stated Gail Evans, an lawyer with the Center for Biological Diversity.
She stated complainants haveactually cleared a crucial obstacle in the judicial procedure to bring forward proof of constitutional infractions.
“I’m positive the court will definitively implement the constitutional defense of our state’s gorgeous and healthy environment on behalf of the complainants and every residen