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New Mexico oil regulators may revisit well-density order

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico oilfield regulators are weighing whether to reopen a decision that relaxed restrictions on gas well locations at a major production basin in the northwest corner of the state.
The New Mexico Oil Conservation Commission meets Tuesday regarding Texas-based Hilcorp Energy's approved application to double the potential number of wells above the Blanco-Mesaverde gas pool formation.
The commission approved greater well densities in the final months of the administration of Republican Gov. Susana Martinez over the objections of conservationists and area ranchers who fear environmental degradation.
New commission members are presiding over the first meeting since the swearing in on Jan. 1 of Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard.
Hilcorp says it presented a scientifically sound case in accordance with laws and regulations.