A judge is deciding whether to impose a moratorium on oil drilling permits filed for land in northwestern New Mexico.
The Albuquerque Journal reports U.S. Judge James Browning could implement a moratorium as a lawsuit filed in March by environmental organizations moves forward.
The groups want a more thorough environmental impact study from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.
Two oil companies have drilled 150 wells since 2011 into the hard shale covering oil in the Mancos, an area made accessible through new techniques like horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing.
A total of five oil companies have joined the lawsuit supporting the land management agency.
Browning began hearing arguments Monday and is expected to issue a ruling in August.
The moratorium could halt production in the Mancos for years.
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