This week on Thursday January the 30th the New Mexico legislature will hear a bill proposing a one-mile health buffer zone around schools.

Did You Know That in New Mexico Over 34,000 children go to school within one mile of an oil and gas well? 

 Some students go to school with hundreds of wells surrounding them. Many of these wells are within one mile of the schools. To put one mile in perspective, this production is taking space within walking distance of the school. In some cases, production is happening even closer at distances as short as less than half a mile.

Why is this a problem? Proximity to Oil and gas production is tied to an array of negative health effects. Many of these negative health effects will affect those who are more vulnerable such as children and the elderly. 
This year during the 2025 New Mexico Legislative session, House Bill 35 will be considered.  This bill calls for a one-mile health buffer zone around schools. Proximity to oil and gas production is known to cause adverse health effects, especially in those who are vulnerable populations.  These health effects are caused by the high levels of ozone pollution. A few of these health effects are breathing problems, aggravation of lung diseases such as asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. In areas like the Permian Basin and San Juan Basin, we see the worst of this pollution affecting children of all ages. Children have a right to healthy air quality especially while attending schools. In fact, the New Mexico constitution states that all residents have a right to clean land, air and water.  

Our state government can do something about this. They have the power to decide if 34,000 children will continue to attend school under unsafe conditions that are entirely preventable. They have the power to enforce pollution control. The legislature has a duty to enforce the New Mexico constitution and to put New Mexican’s first. The responsibility does not fall on our legislators alone. Our speaker of the house Javier Martinez and Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham both hold a responsibility to not only uphold our constitutional right to clean land, air and water but to ensure a healthy future for all New Mexicans present and future.  

Let’s make this happen together. By signing this petition and sharing it with friends, family, and any other New Mexicans who care about children’s health, you are letting our legislators and Governor know that New Mexican citizens find this unchecked pollution unacceptable. You are letting our law makers know your voice matters and that it stands up for our children.