Top New Mexico lawmakers concerned about oil and gas rules

By SUSAN MONTOYA BRYAN
Associated Press

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A group of powerful New Mexico lawmakers has concerns about proposed rules that aim to cut smog-causing pollution across the oil and gas industry. Leaders of the Legislative Finance Committee recently sent a letter to state Environment Secretary James Kenney, saying the rules would have a significant effect on revenues. One study puts losses to state and local governments at $730 million a year. Another independent analysis found the rules would cost operators more than $3 billion to comply in the first year. State regulators are set to consider the proposed rules at a meeting later this month.