2026 HB 207 Water Quality Commission Produced Water Rules

CVNM Position:

Oppose

Year:

2026

Sponsors:

Cathrynn N. Brown

Topics:

Effective Government
Water

Legislative Info:

HB 207 on nmlegis.gov »

Description

A waste product from the oil and gas industry, produced water contains hundreds of known and unknown chemicals. Many of these chemicals are toxic to human health and the environment, including carcinogens and radioactive pollutants. New Mexico does not currently have surface water quality standards for at least 180 potentially toxic chemicals found in oil and gas wastewater. Once these chemicals contaminate water, it is impossible to fully reclaim it based on currently available technologies. The use of produced water has already been heavily debated and analyzed by the Water Quality Control Commission, which promulgated a rule in May 2025 that prohibits the discharge of produced water into streams, rivers, and groundwater for five years. HB 207 would have circumvented the weeks of deliberation, thoughtful and deep public engagement, and expert analysis that went into the WQCC’s decision by mandating the state allow for the discharge of water anyway.

Outcome

Tabled in the House Agriculture, Acequia, and Water Resources Committee.