Hilcorp Energy Settles $9.4 Million Clean Air Act Violation Case, Commits to Reducing Emissions in New Mexico
- M.R Mishra
- Nov 26, 2024
- 2 min read
Hilcorp Energy Company has agreed to a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) for violating the Clean Air Act and state regulations in its oil and gas operations in New Mexico.
As part of the settlement, Hilcorp will pay a $9.4 million civil penalty, which will be shared between the federal government and the State of New Mexico.
The company also agreed to upgrade its equipment to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and methane.
These improvements will be implemented on Tribal lands, including those of the Jicarilla Apache Nation and Navajo Nation, and are expected to reduce over 113,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions in the next three years.
The settlement marks the first case addressing Clean Air Act violations related to well completions after hydraulic fracturing. The agreement emphasizes the company’s responsibility to control emissions that result from oil and gas production, which contribute significantly to climate change and air pollution.
This action supports the EPA's efforts to reduce methane emissions and address environmental justice concerns in vulnerable communities.
Clean Air Act
Act is the law that defines EPA's responsibilities for protecting and improving the nation's air quality and the stratospheric ozone layer. The last major change in the law, the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, was enacted by Congress in 1990. Legislation passed since then has made several minor changes.
The Clean Air Act, like other laws enacted by Congress, was incorporated into the United States Code as Title 42, Chapter 85.
The House of Representatives maintains a current version of the U.S. Code, which includes Clean Air Act changes enacted since 1990.
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