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The Latest: Final Vote Delayed On Amended Oil-Gas Ordinance In Sandoval County

BERNALILLO, N.M. (AP) — The Latest on a proposed ordinance that would govern oil and gas development across a large New Mexico county (all times local):

12:35 a.m.

Sandoval County commissioners will have to wait to take a final vote on a proposed ordinance aimed at regulating oil and gas development across thousands of square miles of unincorporated lands in northwestern New Mexico.

The commission heard hours of public testimony Thursday before adopting two changes during deliberations that stretched into Friday. Because the proposal was amended, the commission will have to wait until its next meeting to take up the new version.

During a packed meeting, several tribal leaders testified they were not consulted while environmentalists, activists and concerned residents voiced concerns that groundwater supplies could be contaminated by increased drilling in the region.

Many asked the commission to delay a vote so more data could be reviewed and the issue studied further.

The All Pueblo Council of Governors also passed a resolution Thursday in opposition of the ordinance.

Energy companies and industry representatives argued that the commission had developed a fair and balanced ordinance that would fill a regulatory void and provide for economic opportunities.