Permian Basin

The Permian Basin is one of the most heavily drilled and polluted oil and gas regions in the world. While it generates immense profit for the fossil fuel industry, it leaves behind poisoned air, contaminated water, and fractured communities. People of faith and conscience must bear witness to these harms and work for a just transition to renewable energy.
Get Involved
Learn about the specific issues we are tracking and the actions you can take.

“The communities feel that they’re ‘a sacrifice zone’ and are continually ‘a sacrificed zone.’ They’re suffering from pollution now. Everybody else is using their energy…"

Sister Joan Brown, OSF

“We came, we saw, we launched.”

Terrence Macaulay,
Designer @ Printworks

Why It Matters

The Permian Basin is a global climate hotspot. Oil and gas extraction here produces some of the highest methane emissions on Earth, driving climate change and endangering public health. Local families, many of whom are low-income and people of color, bear the heaviest burdens of pollution and water scarcity.

For people of faith and conscience, the Permian Basin represents both a moral challenge and a spiritual call: to protect Creation, defend the vulnerable, and work toward a future rooted in justice.

🔥 The Permian Basin is ground zero for the climate crisis — but it can also be a birthplace of hope and change.

Our Approach

Along with our partner, Citizens Caring for the Future, we are standing with communities in the Permian Basin to reduce the harms of the extractive industry. We:

  • Bear Witness – Visiting impacted communities, listening to their stories, and lifting up their voices.
  • Educate Faith Communities – Sharing the truth about the climate and health impacts of oil and gas extraction.
  • Support Just Transition – Advocating for clean energy investments that create jobs and healthier futures.
  • Stand in Solidarity – Partnering with local, Indigenous, and frontline organizations resisting fossil fuel expansion.
The climate crisis is not an abstraction. It is happening here, now, in our land and in our lungs.

What We're Working On

Our Permian Basin program is focused on:

  • Documenting and sharing stories of those directly affected by drilling and pollution
  • Calling for stronger methane rules and enforcement
  • Supporting frontline and Indigenous-led resistance to fossil fuel expansion
  • Building faith-based advocacy for a just transition to renewable energy in New Mexico

Permian Basin Campaigns

Modernizing Oil & Gas Bonding Rules: Make Polluters Pay

New Mexico is updating its bonding rules — the financial requirements that ensure oil and gas companies pay to clean up and shut down wells at the end of their life. These rules are critical for protecting our land, water, climate, and communities. Learn how you can take action.

Methane Rules: Strengthen Methane Rules to Respond to Climate Change

New Mexico’s methane rules are cutting pollution compared to Texas. However, there is still more work to be done. Improving enforcement and strengthening these protections means cleaner air and healthier communities.

Produced Water Rulemaking: Strengthen Rules to Protect Our Water

New Mexico is deciding how to regulate produced water, the toxic wastewater from oil and gas drilling. Strong rules are needed to protect rivers, aquifers, and communities from pollution.

How You Can Help

There are many ways that you can help, including:

  • Learning about the issues
  • Attending events
  • Attending hearings
  • Partnering with local community and faith leaders
  • Signing petitions and letters
  • Providing public comment
  • Staying connected with NM-IPL's communications


👉 Visit our Get Involved page for all the details!

✨ The Permian Basin is a place of deep harm, but also a place of possibility. Together, as people of faith, we can transform pain into purpose and work for a future of justice, healing, and hope.
Get Involved
Learn about the specific issues we are tracking and the actions you can take.