Across the dusty plains of southeastern New Mexico, the air is thick with the unmistakable scent of hydrocarbons. Here, the village of Loving, with its 1,400 residents, embodies both the promise of economic prosperity and the looming threat of environmental degradation driven by the oil and gas industry. At the heart of the most productive oilfield in the United States—the Permian Basin—local residents find themselves facing air quality challenges reminiscent of big city pollution, even on what many would call just another day.
On one typical mid-September afternoon, the strong winds blowing from Texas carry with them not just dust, but also the telltale odors of petrochemicals. These winds transform the once vivid blue sky of Loving to a hazy white, dimming the light and visibility, and making breathing harder for the town’s inhabitants. “This isn’t even considered a bad pollution day,” remarked one concerned local resident.
Sixty-one years ago, the United States took significant steps toward regulating air pollution with the passages of the Clean Air Act, which aimed primarily at addressing urban smog and the ozone layers tainting air quality across the largest cities. Yet, pollution is not confined just to metropolitan areas; the air monitors across the New Mexico portion of the Permian Basin routinely report exceeding ozone levels, which fail to meet safety standards as set out by this landmark legislation.
The path to cleaner air seemed like it would soon be paved with regulations aimed at curbing emissions of volatile organic compounds, commonly responsible for the noxious odors and illnesses experienced by residents. Officials at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had communicated optimism, claiming preparations for imminent federal action were underway. But this sense of urgency has faded dramatically following the recent election of Donald Trump, who has consistently advocated for increased fossil fuel production.
After Trump's reelection, James Kenney, New Mexico’s Environment Department secretary, shared his dismay over the bleak prospects for federal intervention. “It is likely no longer imminent,” he stated, referring to the anticipated steps to mitigate the air quality crisis, following the incoming administration's stance on environmental issues. Trump’s campaign hinged on revoking Biden-era environmental regulations, much to the concern of local advocacy groups and residents.
Among the appointed figures, former New York Congressman Lee Zeldin was named to run the EPA. Zeldin’s swift introduction made clear his intentions: restoring energy dominance and deregulating the oil and gas sector, seemingly at the expense of air and water safety. “He will provide fair and swift deregulatory decisions,” Trump assured, yet residents of Loving question whether such decisions will prioritize public health or industry profits.
Despite these governmental shakeups, some at the EPA, like spokesperson Joe Robledo, maintain hope and continue to assure the public, stating, “Our work to implement the current agenda is undeterred.” Meanwhile, Kenney remains skeptical. The potential for significant erosion of environmental protections looms large as he anticipates increasingly difficult regulations and policies. He voiced worries about the department’s funding, diminished enforcement, and the possibility of legal challenges against state-level efforts to address polluters.
Local residents are left to bear the brunt of the situation. Jozee Zuñiga, who lives near newly established oil well drilling pads, spoke candidly about the competing interests at play. “A lot of good things have come with the industry. You know, careers, money…but we’re also seeing really bad things,” she commented. Zuñiga’s home is now surrounded by oil operations, marking the third drilling pad constructed just feet away from her grandmother’s house.
Gone are the clear starry nights. The charming mornings, previously marked by sightings of deer, have been replaced with faded views of the nearby Guadalupe Mountains, obscured by thick smog. For residents like Zuñiga, the beauty of nature has been eclipsed by industrial growth. Although jobs and economic growth are appreciated, the environmental costs can feel overwhelming.
The source of these pollutants includes volatile organic compounds—substances integral to oil extraction, which permeate the air and contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone. Research has linked these conditions to serious health issues, including respiratory ailments like asthma, nosebleeds, and even cancer among other diseases. With over 50 recorded violations of federal air quality standards just this year, Loving is fast becoming one of the most ozone-polluted areas in the nation.
Kenney pointed out, “It does not surprise me when we see 50% to 60% of the industry out of compliance with pollution standards and monitors detect high levels of air contaminants.” While federal indicators flag the need for stringent oversight, the EPA’s apparent paralysis has left local agencies grappling with rising pollution levels.
Under normal circumstances, such troubling data would spur immediate action—an ozone nonattainment designation from the EPA would typically be on the horizon, paving the way for tougher regulations and industry accountability. Yet, this time, Kenney noted the federal response was slack, stoking concerns it might be too late. He lamented, “This nonattainment zone should’ve been declared months ago…it’s sad and frankly, kind of a failure on the EPA’s part.”
The state has stepped up its own regulations, directing efforts to control methane emissions, venting, and flaring, with New Mexico implementing tougher industry guidelines from 2021 to 2022. Despite these measures, oil production has surged dramatically, increasing over 35% since 2021. This upward trend may paradoxically compound the damages and hardships already faced by local communities.
Looking forward, residents lament the potential regression of protective regulations should the current trends continue unchecked. Zuñiga, like many others, advocates vigorously for the community’s right to safety. She passionately asserts, “Children deserve to be safe. The elderly deserve to be safe...we should be able to give extra protections to those who can’t protect themselves.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham remains on the frontlines of the struggle, equipped with the mandate offered by the Clean Air Act, which empowers state governors to call upon the EPA for additional safeguards. The steps taken by local government officials and residents attempting to reclaim the atmosphere they once called home reflect the commitment to greater accountability and action against pollution.
The fate of Loving and its people hinges on active dialogue, advocacy, and regulatory engagement as the oil and gas industry shapes the intimate relationship between economic opportunity and public health. Will federal oversight catch up, or will the industry continue to hold sway over local environmental struggles?
