State Land Office of New Mexico is turning to courts to help plug and remediate abandoned oil and gas wells in the state. Santa Fe New Mexican recently reported that the agency filed three lawsuits against four operators to date this year. They allege that the wells in Permian Basin in southeast New Mexico are out of compliance with state regulations and the companies have not responded to multiple requests. The New Mexican said the lawsuits were filed against Tarco Energy in April, operator Scott Barthel in May, and Aspen Operating and Rubicon Energy in June.
Joe Tarver of Tarco Energy told the New Mexican the company is working to clean the sites. “I know there are quite a few wells in New Mexico where people run off, but we’re working with them to get these cleaned up and get the work done. We’re trying to be a good citizen.”