Concerns for New Mexico Students Near Natural Gas Wells
COUNSELOR, N.M. (AP) — On a Tuesday in March, Billton Werito drove his son Amari toward their home in Counselor, New Mexico, navigating the bumpy dirt road that winds through a dense landscape of natural gas pipelines, wellheads, and water tanks. Amari should have been in school; however, a bout of nausea and a dull headache kept him from class.
“It happens a lot,” Amari explained from the backseat, glancing briefly at his Nintendo Switch. The symptoms surfaced frequently, particularly when the sixth grader detected an overpowering odor of “rotten eggs mixed with propane” emanating from nearby natural gas wells that blanket Lybrook Elementary School, attended by approximately 70 Navajo students. His younger brother experiences similar health episodes.
“They just keep getting sick,” Billton stated. “I have to take them out of class due to their headaches. Especially the younger one, who has been throwing up and refuses to eat.”
This situation poses a substantial risk for the children’s educational performance, as consistent absenteeism can lead to academic struggles.
Impact of Natural Gas Production in the San Juan Basin
Lybrook is situated in the heart of New Mexico’s San Juan Basin, recognized as one of the nation’s richest deposits of oil and natural gas. This area, alongside the Permian Basin in the southeast, plays a pivotal role in supplying the United States with natural gas, a fuel that meets much of the nation’s electricity demand.
The extraction of gas from tens of thousands of wells in New Mexico has generated enormous economic benefits; natural gas frequently serves as a cleaner alternative to coal, contributing to improved air quality across the nation. Locally, the oil and gas sector employs thousands, particularly in regions with limited employment opportunities, while providing substantial royalty payments that augment the state’s budget.
Health Risks Associated with Proximity to Natural Gas Wells
However, these economic benefits come with significant health risks for students attending nearby schools. An analysis by the Associated Press reveals that 694 oil and gas wells hold active or newly issued permits within a mile radius of educational institutions across New Mexico. This proximity places approximately 29,500 students attending 74 schools and preschools at heightened risk of exposure to hazardous emissions, as the process of extraction can unleash deleterious airborne pollutants.
- Common pollutants include:
- Benzene: A known carcinogen found in emissions from gas extraction.
- Hydrogen Sulfide: Responsible for the sulfuric smell that Amari associates with his headaches.
- Particulate Matter (PM2.5): Tiny particles that can penetrate the respiratory system and are linked to various health issues.
At Lybrook, where Amari recently completed sixth grade, less than 6% of students achieve proficiency in mathematics, and only one-fifth meet state standards in science and reading. These low achievement rates may be partially explained by higher poverty levels found within areas dominated by gas development, yet research shows that air pollution from fossil fuels independently harms student learning, regardless of socioeconomic factors.
The negative impacts are not unique to New Mexico. A wider examination by the AP revealed over 1,000 public schools across 12 states located within five miles of major oil and gas production fields.
Research Findings on Air Quality and Academic Performance
“This kind of air pollution has a real, measurable effect on students,” stated Mike Gilraine, an economics professor at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, who studies the correlation between air quality and educational performance. In a notable 2024 study co-authored by Gilraine, it was noted that increases in levels of PM2.5 correlated with significant declines in student test scores. On the flip side, reductions in air pollution positively correlated with improved test results and lower absentee rates.
“To me, the surprise was certainly the magnitude of the effects,” Gilraine remarked. “It’s rare to find a factor with such widespread impact on educational performance across the nation.”
Interestingly, America’s transition to natural gas has led to overall increases in student achievement due to its displacement of coal-fired power generation, resulting in improved air quality nationwide. However, data concerning air quality specific to New Mexico remains scarce, despite the state being one of the top natural gas producers. With only 20 permanent air monitoring sites across the state—most located in non-production areas—comprehensive data is limited.
Recent Research on Air Pollution Levels
Independent research has shed light on air quality in areas surrounding schools in New Mexico. A recent study conducted by specialists from Princeton and Northern Arizona universities found concerning levels of pollutants at Lybrook during school hours. The research indicated spikes of pollutants—specifically benzene—reaching nearly double the acceptable limit associated with chronic and acute health effects.
This investigation followed a health impact assessment from 2021, supported by numerous local nonprofits and foundations, which revealed alarming health symptoms among residents, including:
- Over 90% reported sinus problems.
- Common incidents of nosebleeds and shortness of breath.
- Nausea episodes were prevalent, matching those reported by local students.
Daniel Tso, a community leader involved in the health assessment project, emphasized the need for a secure living environment for future generations, stating, “The children and the grandchildren need a safe homeland.” He illustrated the everyday struggles faced by students at Lybrook and noted how visitors from urban areas often experience similar symptoms within minutes of exposure.
Economic Trade-offs and Industry Perspectives
Despite the evident health-related concerns, many argue that the oil and gas industry’s economic contributions cannot be understated. In fiscal year 2023, revenues from oil and gas significantly bolstered New Mexico’s education budget, contributing around $1.7 billion to K-12 education funding.
Lee White, superintendent of Loving Municipal Schools, acknowledged the benefits provided by the oil and gas sector, explaining that funds have been utilized for essential school improvements, such as building additions and establishing advanced science laboratories. White expressed skepticism regarding the alarm over air quality, claiming, “Are we willing to give that up because people say our air is not clean?” He asserted that local educational institutions have excelled academically, with students achieving above state averages in critical subjects.
Regulatory Developments and Community Responses
Efforts to address these health risks received momentum in 2023, when New Mexico State Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard enacted an executive order restricting new oil and gas leases on state lands within one mile of schools. Industry representatives criticized this move, arguing that it imposes unrealistic regulatory burdens on operators. Nonetheless, an AP analysis found that only about 1% of the state’s oil and gas wells fall within the new restriction zone.
Advocacy efforts continue, with residents pushing for legislation that would ban drilling within a mile of schools, although similar proposals have failed during recent legislative sessions. Additionally, existing litigation against the state over pollution controls remains active in the courts.
Conclusion
The ongoing dialogue surrounding the health implications of living in proximity to natural gas wells underscores the complex interrelationship between economic benefits and community health. As New Mexico navigates its pivotal role in national energy production, it faces the challenge of ensuring that students like Amari are not sacrificed in the name of progress. Ongoing research and community advocacy will play critical roles in shaping the future regulatory landscape and addressing the pressing health concerns of affected residents.
Source: fortune