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The
state Environment Department issued the sanctions including a
cease and desist order against Houston-based Targa Resources at
its processing plant near Jal, New Mexico, alleging permit
violations and excess emissions of gases known to cause
respiratory issues or contribute to climate change including
ozone-producing pollutants.
Representatives for Targa could not immediately be reached for
comment. Regulators say Targa has 30 days to respond and comply
or request a hearing with the agency secretary.
Regulators also have ordered a series of corrective actions and
improvements to the facilities that process gas for transmission
by pipeline.
The sanctions are based on allegations of two permit violations,
late reporting of emissions and an incomplete requirement for a
root cause analysis of excess pollution.
The proposed air-pollution fine against Targa would be the
largest in state history by the Environment Department, if
upheld. The case also was referred to federal regulators.
Separately, the New Mexico Court of Appeals last month upheld
regulations aimed at cracking down on air pollution in one of
the nation’s top-producing oil and gas states.
Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s administration has
advanced new restrictions on ozone-precursor pollutants along
with regulations to limit methane emissions in its efforts to
combat climate change and meet federal clean air standards.
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