CVNM Statement in Response to Water Quality Control Commission Dismissal of Public Comment
[Santa Fe] – Today, during a Water Quality Control Commission public meeting, Commission members publicly dismissed and prohibited public comment on oilfield wastewater (misleadingly called produced water) or items pertaining to the agenda. This decision was announced after a long queue of members of the public lined up to speak in objection to the Commission’s July decision to rehear an oilfield wastewater rule adopted in May 2025. Members of the public were also repeatedly silenced and physically removed from the meeting after voicing objections to the Commission’s conduct.
The Santa Fe New Mexican and other media outlets have recently reported on the Commission’s process to reconsider the rule, detailing emails recovered from a public records request. The emails disclosed a “huddle” to discuss the Governor’s support for reconsidering the oilfield wastewater rule. As reported, after the meeting Environment Department Secretary James Kenney sent an email to the other cabinet Secretaries who are members of the WQCC, asking them to attend WQCC meetings personally instead of sending designees. The message, sent on July 7th ahead of the WQCC meeting, was responded to by the Governor’s Deputy Chief Operating Officer, who said:
“Thank you, Secretary. As per our huddle discussion, we need everyone’s commitment to get this over the finished [sic] line.”
In response, Conservation Voters New Mexico (CVNM) Legislative Director Zoe Barker issued the following statement:
“Today, the public’s voice was silenced by the Water Quality Control Commission. The Commission’s decision to refuse comments related to items on the agenda or dissent to decisions the Commission has made effectively eliminates a critical part of our democratic rights from this process. Dialogue and discourse are essential for the checks and balances all of our elected and appointed entities must have to ensure they are operating within the directive of their mission and vision and the law. Public comment is one of the primary ways that New Mexicans across the state are able to engage in rulemaking and ensure their voices are heard. Members of the public also do not have the luxury of missing work or other obligations to make time for public comment, further highlighting the importance of taking precious time to hear from the public when they are able to participate. The Commission should be ashamed of its actions today, and for standing in the way of public discourse and engagement.”
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Conservation Voters New Mexico is a statewide, nonpartisan nonprofit committed to connecting the people of New Mexico to their political power to protect our air, land and water for a healthy Land of Enchantment. We do this by mobilizing voters, winning elections, holding elected of icials accountable and advancing responsible public policies.