Groups sue BLM over air quality in N.M. Two environmental groups are suing the Bureau of Land Management, alleging that the federal agency has failed to curb ozone levels and safeguard air quality in northwestern New Mexico from oil and gas industry emissions. Dine CARE and WildEarth Guardians filed the lawsuit Wednesday in federal court in Santa Fe. The groups contend the BLM -- which oversees oil and gas activities in the San Juan Basin, one of the largest natural gas fields in the nation -- is responsible for allowing ozone pollution in the region to rise to dangerous levels. ccording to the lawsuit, BLM allegedly violated federal environmental law by going forward with the leases without preparing environmental impact statements and without providing a timely opportunity for public involvement. The groups want the court to stop the BLM from executing the lease sales until the agency complies with the National Environmental Policy Act. The BLM said it has been working with the industry in an effort to minimize venting of gases and to control emissions from oil and gas equipment in the field. The agency also requires oil and gas companies to meet all current environmental requirements, including state air quality standards, when they apply for a drilling permit....