San Miguel County commissioners have voted in favor of an ordinance that imposes some of the strictest requirements on oil and natural gas exploration in the country.
The unanimous vote came Wednesday during their regular meeting in Las Vegas, New Mexico. Several dozen people were in attendance.
The measure replaces a moratorium on oil and gas development that had been in place since 2010.
Under the ordinance, exploration and drilling is restricted to a sparsely populated stretch on the eastern side of the county. Drilling companies will have to pay steep application fees, foot the bill for pre-drilling assessments and post bonds.
County officials say the requirements are aimed at protecting the health, safety and environmental welfare of residents.
The oil and gas industry says the new ordinance effectively discourages any development in the area.
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