National Geographic: Drilling Threatens NM Water, Caves

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A National Geographic investigation has found that Permian Basin energy exploration could taint residential aquifers with pollutants—as well as Carlsbad Caverns and other cave systems.

Here are excerpts of an article by Jennifer Oldham (February 3, 20201)

“A National Geographic investigation found that the Trump Administration’s push to open these public lands for energy exploration puts Carlsbad Caverns, scores of other caves in New Mexico, and aquifers that supply drinking water to tens of thousands of homeowners at risk of contamination.

What’s more, the threat to the region’s unique cave ecosystems and aquifers isn’t likely to recede during President Joe Biden’s administration.

As he promised during his campaign, Biden on January 27 paused new oil and natural gas leasing on federal lands, in order to undertake a ‘comprehensive review’ of the nation’s fossil fuels program. The pause only affects new development, however. It does not stop companies from drilling on existing leases, and it allows agencies to continue to approve permits for additional drilling there.”

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Green Amendment Founder Visits New Mexico (Part 1)

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Join Maya van Rossum, Founder of Green Amendments For The Generations, in her journey across New Mexico to meet with impacted communities and environmental, legislative and sustainable business leaders to explore their stories and the power of a #NMGreenAmendment.

Check out Maya’s exploration of NM’s biggest environmental and environmental justice issues and the role a NM Green Amendment could play with: Senator Antoinette Sedillo Lopez, sponsor of the New Mexico Green Amendment; Emma Rose Cohen, CEO/Founder of Final; Beata Tsosie-Peña, Environmental Health and Justice Program Coordinator for Tewa Women United; Artemisio Romero y Carver, founding member of Youth United for Climate Crisis Action (YUCCA); and Dee George and Penny Aucoin, impacted residents of Otis, NM

Sister Joan Brown Quoted in NCR Article

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The Climate 21 Project produced a series of memos with input from more than 150 experts on how the next president can implement a whole-of-government response to climate change beginning on Day One.

Franciscan Sr. Joan Brown, head of New Mexico Interfaith Power & Light, said that course reflects the idea of integral ecology that Pope Francis described in Laudato Si’. She said it recognizes the interrelated problems that climate change involves and proposes a similarly integrated response.

“I really feel this is a good way to go,” Brown said.

The Climate 21 Project put forward recommendations for 11 federal departments and offices, including the Justice Department, State Department, the Office of Management and Budget and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Read full article, entitled “Biden to enter White House with Cabinet stocked with climate advocates,” published on Jan. 19, 2021