Explore New Mexico’s oil and gas pollution

Updated analysis reveals the scope of the state’s methane emissions and needed solutions

Date updated: November 20, 2020

New analysis estimates that New Mexico’s oil and gas companies emit over 1.1 million metric tons of methane annually. That’s approximately 5 times more pollution than EPA data suggest and has the same near-term climate impact as 25 coal-fired power plants.

New Mexico methane emissions

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This updated analysis applies the latest peer-reviewed methods and satellite measurements to examine the amount of climate-warming methane emitted from oil and gas sites, as well as harmful volatile organic compounds.

These emissions carry a heavy economic toll for New Mexico. EDF estimates the state wastes $271 million worth of natural gas annually and loses out on an additional $43 million in tax and royalty revenue every year due to methane waste.

The results of this analysis are available online and allow users to:

  • Explore oil and gas methane emission by county.
  • Discover which communities face the brunt of oilfield pollution.
  • Compare proposed policy solutions for reducing emissions.