Republican lawmakers say conservation tax revenue, not industry, should pay for well cleanup

Republican lawmakers say conservation tax revenue, not industry, should pay for well cleanup

Republican lawmakers say too much of a conservation tax on extractive industry is benefitting the state of New Mexico’s general fund, versus its cleanup fund. (Photo by Charles O'Rear / Getty Images)Amid ongoing proposed rulemaking that would require more funds from oil and gas operators to clean up New Mexico’s abandoned wells, Republican state lawmakers on Thursday pressed state officials over the current funding for such work. In a tense and …