Farmers, energy companies battle over drilling waste regulations

The New Mexico Oil and Conservation Commission listened to a week of testimony from ranchers, farmers and oil and gas companies about whether to amend what's call the pit rule. It's a set of standards on how to handle drilling waste. On the one side, ranchers and farmers said the restrictions are necessary to ensure the water doesn't become contaminated. "It's a no-brainer," pecan orchardist Peter Niles said. "I want to have clean water for my orchard and for me to drink. Clean water, well, it's kind of like the most important thing you can have." But on the other side, oil and gas companies argue those standards come at a high cost. New Mexico State University Professor Jim Peach said the cost can be around $200,000 for each well...more