New Mexico sues oil companies for cleanup of abandoned wells [View all]

The State Land Office on Thursday announced a lawsuit against two oil and natural gas companies, citing unmet obligations to plug at least 29 abandoned wells in Western New Mexico, remove trash and debris and pay penalties for trespassing on an expired lease site.

The lawsuit against BC&D Operating and Dominion Production Co. is the 16th in a campaign by the agency to increase accountability for cleanups among natural resources companies that lease state land.

Efforts to reach BC&D Operating and Dominion Production Co. for comment were unsuccessful. The companies have no clear online listings, and corporate registrations with the state of New Mexico do not include contact information.

During 2021, the agency has filed lawsuits for oil site cleanups against at least three other energy companies.

https://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/new-mexico-sues-oil-companies-for-cleanup-of-abandoned-wells/article_0ce7bb09-c1f6-576b-91ed-f09ef674f076.html