Energy proponents in New Mexico are pushing for the dismissal of a newly filed produced water case
Every Monday, subscribers receive the Business Outlook Newsletter, a service designed specifically for paid subscribers and not available to non-subscribers. This newsletter provides narrative coverage of local trends, industry news, and key economic updates, making it an invaluable resource for those in the business world.
One of the current focus areas is the broadening of oil and gas wastewater usage rules. As of mid-2025, the regulatory landscape regarding this issue is in active development, with significant federal attention focused on updating regulations to promote reuse, review existing standards, and introduce flexibility.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is at the forefront of these changes. They are planning updates specifically aimed at encouraging the reuse of super-salty wastewater generated during natural gas drilling, reflecting a shift towards more sustainable management of oil and gas wastewater.
Recent regulatory rollbacks under EPA Administrator Zeldin have also included considerations to provide regulatory flexibility for oil and gas wastewater usage, implying a potential easing or modification of previous restrictions to allow broader or more innovative uses of such wastewater.
The EPA is not limiting its reviews to oil and gas wastewater regulations alone. They are concurrently reviewing wastewater regulations broadly, including those related to coal power plants, suggesting a comprehensive approach to effluent standards and wastewater reuse policies.
The broader context also includes tightening standards for small waste incinerators, some of which are owned by oil and gas companies, indicating a nuanced regulatory environment balancing environmental protection with operational flexibility.
Looking ahead, the agency’s updates appear aimed at balancing environmental protections with economic and operational feasibility, reducing regulatory burdens while encouraging wastewater recycling among oil and gas operators. This trend aligns with bipartisan legislative interest in setting enforceable standards for water contaminants, which may influence wastewater regulations linked to oil and gas activities.
For more information or to address any questions or concerns, please email web@our website. The Business Outlook Newsletter continues to offer in-depth coverage of various business topics, making it an exclusive service offered by Business Outlook that you won't want to miss.
- The Business Outlook Newsletter, exclusive for subscribers, also includes coverage of updates in the energy industry, specifically focusing on changes in the oil-and-gas sector's wastewater usage rules.
- Upcoming changes in the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations highlight a growing emphasis on finance aspects, as they plan to encourage the reuse of oil-and-gas wastewater to promote more sustainable business practices.
- In addition to oil-and-gas wastewater regulations, the EPA is reviewing wastewater standards across various industries, including coal power plants, with a focus on balancing environmental protections with economic feasibility.
