New Mexico is updating bonding rules — the financial commitments oil & gas companies must make to plug and clean up old wells. Strong rules mean polluters pay, not taxpayers.
"If they drill it, they clean it. No exceptions."
Our overall message is, "If you drill it, you clean it. No exceptions". It is estimated that New Mexico has 600 abandoned oil and gas wells and OCD expects there to be some 4,400 soon. These are facilities that the Legislative Finance Committee estimates that taxpayers will need to pay for from $700 million to $1.6 billion. Our voices are needed, especially calling for ethical and moral responsibility for our land and water, health of our communities and climate change (related to methane release which is a large contributor to climate change.) We need you to testify to show how critical this reform is.
Will you give public comment for the common good of our communities?
Thorough details about giving public comment, as well as messaging guidance are included below. If you plan to give comment, please let Sr. Joan Brown know so that we can track, coordinate, and provide assistance to anyone speaking. You can reach her at: joankansas@swcp.com.
🎓 Learn More
📣 Share Your Voice: NM Oil Conservation Commission Hearing Dates: Oct. 20 to Nov. 7, 2025
Case No. 24683 | Public Hearing Notice
Share your voice by making live public comment or written comment, we are providing instructions on how to do this below:
How to Give Live Public Comment
Each public comment will be limited to 3 minutes or about 350 words.
1. Attend the Hearing
- When: Monday through Friday, starting October 20, 2025 from 4-5 pm
- After Oct. 20: Public comment will be accepted each day of the hearing from 9-10 am and 4-5 pm.
- A Spanish language translator will be available at 4-5 pm on October 20, 21, 27, and November 3, 2025.
- In-Person: Pecos Hall, Wendell Chino Building, 1220 South St. Francis Drive, Santa Fe, NM 87505
- Online: Join via Microsoft Teams or dial-in
- Phone: Dial in by phone
- +1 505-312-4308 United States, Albuquerque
- 888-506-1357 United States (Toll-free)
- Phone conference ID: 951 093 07#
2. Sign Up to Speak
- Recommended: Email or call Sheila Apodaca, Commission Clerk, at occ.hearings@emnrd.nm.gov or 505-699‑8358 in advance to register. Reference the Case No. 24683 and provide the time slot you’re available to speak during - either 9 am or 4 pm. They will call on each public commenter when it is your turn.
- Walk-in Option: You may also sign in on-site or online before the hearing begins
3. Provide Your Comment
- When called, identify yourself, keep comments respectful and focused on the proposed bonding and cleanup rule changes. Practice to ensure that your comment is limited to 3 minutes or less or about 350 words.
- Clearly state that you are commenting in support of the rulemaking to modernize NM’s bonding and cleanup rules
- No technical testimony or exhibits required–plain-language statements are welcome
How to Submit Written Public Comment
- Prepare Your Comment
- Clearly state that you are commenting in support of the rulemaking to modernize NM’s bonding and cleanup rules
- Share your own story or reasons for supporting the proposed bonding rules updates
- Reference Case No. 24683 ↗ in the subject line and body of your email.
- Submit By Deadline
- Deadline: 5 pm on the final day of the hearing (the last weekday the hearing is in session unless extended, which is currently November 7, 2025)
- Where to Send It
- Email: Sheila Apodaca, Commission Clerk, occ.hearings@emnrd.nm.gov
- Mail/In-Person Delivery: Sheila Apodaca, Commission Clerk
Wendell Chino Building, 1220 S. St. Francis Dr., Santa Fe, NM 87505 - Reference Case No. 24683 ↗ in your comment.
For any questions about how to participate in the hearing, please contact the Commission Clerk at occ.hearings@emnrd.nm.gov or 505-699-8358.
Tips for Effective Participation
- Write or speak clearly and briefly–identify yourself, your affiliation (if any), and your position (support or concern)
- Focus on how stronger bonding rules will protect New Mexico’s land, water, health, and taxpayers
- Use value-based messaging: “If they drill it, they clean it. No exceptions.”
- Reserve your spot and submit comments early to ensure your voice is heard
- Read our Strategic Messaging Guidance Document ↗
- Read an Example Public Comment ↗
