Incentives Should Align With Compliance

摘要

In crafting a regulatory framework to protect public health and the environment, two equally important aspects must be considered. The rules must be clear, concise, and simple. And the regulator must be able to assure compliance. Environmental agencies often spend years crafting rules, constantly balancing the best available science, feasibility, stakeholder input, and the cost of compliance. The notion of assuring compliance is often an afterthought, and solely placed on the inspector.In our state, there are over 60,000 active oil and natural gas wells. Yet, the New Mexico Environment Department has seven air inspectors - one for every 8,500 wells. There is no way to meaningfully assure compliance with permits and regulations unless we rethink how we write such rules. Meanwhile, our ozone levels are rising quickly. Ozone often disproportionately impacts environmental justice communities. Non-attainment with National Ambient Air Quality Standards could soon be a reality for our state.