EPA Reverses Stance on Mine Waste Site as NM Republicans Push Debate Rule

The Environmental Protection Agency has walked back its previous stance on the Questa Chevron mine waste site. In a recent public meeting, an EPA representative clarified that waste from the former mine was never dumped on the property slated for a hydrogen power facility.

This contradicts earlier comments by Kit Carson Electric President Luis Reyes, who stated that the site's history as a mine tailings site made it an ideal location for a power facility. However, according to the EPA, the mine shut down before a new tailings impound was filled, and thus the waste site west of Questa was not used.

The EPA emphasized that the site was included in the Superfund list due to its ownership by Chevron, rather than any contamination issues. The agency also announced that it is finalizing the hiring of a new contractor to continue cleaning up waste from the shuttered mine, following the departure of California-based Granite Construction.

In related news, New Mexico Republicans are drafting legislation known as the 'Ducking Debate Rule,' which would require gubernatorial candidates to participate in debate sessions. This move comes after Democratic candidate Deb Haaland declined to engage in a debate with Republican Greg Hull.