New Mexico reconsiders permission for more natural gas wells

New Mexico oilfield regulators will reconsider a decision to ease restrictions on natural gas well locations for a Texas-based company operating in the northwest corner of the state.

Newly arrived State Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard announced Friday that a special hearing of the state’s Oil Conservation Commission is scheduled Jan. 8 at her request to reconsider an application from Hilcorp Energy to increase the well density for some areas. Hilcorp had no immediate comment.

Longstanding density limits have prevented the company from tapping more of a formation called the Blanco-Mesaverde gas pool.

Approval of the application late last year prompted an outcry from conservationists and a rebuke from departed Land Commissioner Aubrey Dunn. He removed his agency’s appointee to the Oil Conservation Commission in response to the decision.