A House committee has approved legislation that would give New Mexico greater authority than local governments in regulating the oil and gas industry.
The House Energy and Environment Committee passed House Bill 366 on Wednesday on a party-line 6-5 vote.
Republican Rep. Nate Gentry, of Albuquerque, is sponsoring the legislation that would limit the ability of local governments to set limits for oil and gas producers.
Gentry says the bill is necessary so counties and other local governments don't issue all-out bans on oil and gas.
Critics say the bill is overreaching and would weaken the local zoning authority of county governments.
The legislation will next go to the House Judiciary Committee for a vote.
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Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.sfnewmexican.com
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