SANTA FE, NM – – In a hearing today, the Oil Conservation Commission (OCC) decided to reconsider an application from Texas-based Hilcorp Energy Co. In the application, the company seeks to double their well density in the San Juan Basin. The special hearing was called after Secretary-designate Sarah Propst Cottrell reviewed Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard’s request for the OCC to reconsider the decision. Of the decision to reconsider Hilcorp’s application, Commissioner Garcia Richard released the following statement:
“I want to thank Secretary-designate Sarah Cottrell Propst for bringing this precedent setting case back into the forefront for review. While it is critical to encourage natural gas production, it is imperative that we remember the San Juan Basin has the 2nd largest natural gas field in the United States and we need to closely evaluate the impacts of doubling wells in the region. These resources are essential to our state’s financial viability and I believe we can ensure long-term sustainability and make more money for New Mexico’s school children while increasing responsible production.”