By KRWG News
New Mexico – ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRWG) New Mexico oil and natural gas producers would be required to disclose the fluids used in hydraulic fracturing operations under a proposal pending before the state Oil Conservation Commission.
The commission will hear the matter beginning Thursday in Santa Fe.
The proposal was submitted by the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association in an effort to address concerns about the practice. Association president Steve Henke says the proposal represents the industry's willingness to be transparent and accountable.
Environmentalists say changes are needed to make the rule stronger.
Hydraulic fracturing has been used for decades to enhance oil and gas production from wells, but federal regulators have been investigating whether the practice is contaminating drinking-water supplies.
Industry officials in New Mexico say there are no reports that fracking has ever resulted in groundwater contamination in the state.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. KRWG