#Environmental cleanup solutions

[wachinyeya]

Ocean CleanUp Launches Huge System in Pacific Garbage Patch to Clean a Football Field Every 5 Seconds https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/ocean-cleanup-launches-system-3-to-clean-football-field-every-5-seconds/

[tarantula-hawk-wasp]

Looking into how to transport a chemical for disposal for work and everything is just ‘follow the state and local guidelines’. And are the state guidelines in the room with us now? Can I see them? ‘Take it to an approved waste disposal plant’ and can I know how to find that???

[ajaydmr]

Global Bioremediation Market Analysis: Trends, Innovations, and 2025 Forecast Study

[k12academics]

We specialize in Indoor Environmental Diagnosis and Restoration and have a long and distinguished career in private industry, academia, and government. We are true pioneering experts with more than 30 years of practical experience in the US and abroad. Total Environmental Restoration Solutions Inc. (TERS) Inc. is the #1 GREEN Environmental and Restoration Company. For more than 30 years, we have been personally involved in planning, designing, performance, recovery & restoration of indoor environments affected by microbial, fire, and water damage, as well as diagnosis and remediation in several million square feet of industrial and non-industrial buildings, such as schools, hospitals office buildings, and residential buildings. Skills:

[datastring]

🌊 Global Oil Skimmers Market to Surpass $1.1 Billion by 2035 Amid Rising Environmental & Industrial Demands

Industry revenue for Oil Skimmers is projected to reach $1,136.5 million by 2035, growing from $468.0 million in 2024. This equates to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.4% from 2024 to 2035, highlighting strong demand across industries committed to cleaner processes and environmental compliance.

Detailed Analysis - https://datastringconsulting.com/industry-analysis/oil-skimmers-market-research-report

Oil skimmers are integral in a wide range of applications, including oil spill remediation, industrial coolant separation, and wastewater treatment. This report explores expansion opportunities across Oil Skimmers’ Design Type, Material Type, Technology Type, and Application, with comprehensive revenue forecasts through 2035.

🏭 Industry Leadership and Competitive Dynamics

The market remains highly competitive, with key players including:

Abanaki Corporation

Oil Skimmers Inc.

Desmi A/S

Briggs Marine & Environmental Services

LAMOR Corporation AB

Elastec

Oleology

Megator Corporation

Rozema Boat Works Inc.

Friess Techno

E-COS Group

AllMaritim AS

Growth is fueled by stringent environmental regulations and the increasing demand for industrial wastewater management. Key industry trends such as automation in skimming processes and eco-friendly material use are shaping future developments.

🌍 Global Trends & Opportunities

Opportunities for market expansion lie in:

Rising industrialization in Asia-Pacific

Strategic partnerships in North America

Advanced skimming technologies

Growing environmental focus in Germany, Canada, and Australia

Meanwhile, emerging markets like Brazil, Indonesia, and South Africa present avenues for diversification and total addressable market (TAM) expansion.

⚙️ Supply Chain Evolution

Despite challenges such as high initial setup costs and limited awareness in developing regions, the supply chain—from material sourcing to end-user deployment—is expected to undergo significant modernization, further boosting accessibility and operational efficiency.

📊 About DataString Consulting

DataString Consulting delivers complete market intelligence solutions under one roof. With over 30 years of combined experience in strategic advisory and custom research, our team tracks growth trends across more than 15 sectors globally. We specialize in tailored market insights, opportunity assessments, and solution-driven strategies for business growth.

[toronto-tree-removal]

Expert Tree Removal Services in Toronto: Why It Matters for Safety & Aesthetics

Introduction: The Importance of Professional Tree Removal

Trees are an essential part of Toronto’s urban landscape, offering shade, beauty, and environmental benefits. However, there are times when tree removal becomes a necessity due to safety hazards, disease, or urban development needs. At Toronto Tree Removal, we specialize in safe, professional, and efficient tree removal services across various neighborhoods, including The Annex, The Beaches, Liberty Village, and more.

In this post, we’ll discuss when tree removal is necessary, the process involved, and how to choose the best tree removal service in Toronto.

When Should You Consider Tree Removal?

Not all trees need to be removed, but some situations demand professional intervention. Here are common reasons why property owners in Toronto might need tree removal services:

Dead or Dying Trees: If a tree is diseased, decaying, or completely dead, it poses a significant risk of falling and causing damage.

Storm Damage: Severe weather, including strong winds and ice storms, can weaken trees, making them unstable.

Structural Damage Risk: If tree roots are damaging underground pipes, sidewalks, or your home’s foundation, removal may be the best solution.

Obstructing Construction or Landscaping Projects: Sometimes, trees need to be cleared for new buildings, driveways, or other landscaping projects.

Invasive Species & Infestations: Trees affected by pests like the emerald ash borer may need to be removed to prevent the spread to healthy trees.

If you’re unsure whether a tree should be removed, our team at Toronto Tree Removal can provide an assessment.

The Tree Removal Process: What to Expect

At Toronto Tree Removal, we follow a structured and safe approach to tree removal:

1. Site Inspection & Assessment

Our ISA-certified arborists first assess the tree's condition, size, and location to determine the safest removal method.

2. Obtaining Necessary Permits

In Toronto, tree removal regulations require permits for trees over 30 cm in diameter on private property. We assist clients with the application process, ensuring compliance with city regulations.

3. Safe & Efficient Tree Removal

Using specialized equipment such as ropes, harnesses, and cranes, we carefully cut and remove the tree in sections, minimizing damage to surrounding property.

4. Stump Grinding & Cleanup

Once the tree is removed, we offer stump grinding services to eliminate the remaining base, leaving a clean and usable space.

5. Eco-Friendly Disposal & Recycling

We ensure that all removed trees are properly disposed of or repurposed, such as being turned into mulch or firewood.

Why Choose Toronto Tree Removal?

Choosing the right tree removal company is essential for safety, efficiency, and legal compliance. Here’s why Toronto Tree Removal is a trusted choice:

✅ Fully Licensed & Insured: We are WSIB-covered and adhere to all safety regulations to protect our workers and your property. ✅ Certified Arborists: Our team includes ISA-certified arborists who bring expertise and precision to every job. ✅ Fast & Reliable Service: Available 7 days a week from 7 AM to 10 PM, we offer emergency tree removal services when needed. ✅ Competitive Pricing & Free Estimates: We provide affordable tree removal services with upfront pricing and no hidden fees.

For professional tree removal in areas like Rosedale, East York, and Forest Hill, contact us today!

Conclusion: Protect Your Property with Expert Tree Removal

Tree removal isn’t just about cutting down trees—it’s about protecting your home, enhancing your landscape, and ensuring safety. At Toronto Tree Removal, we offer professional, safe, and efficient tree removal services across Toronto.

📞 Call Us Today: 647-558-1366 📍 Address: 2 Forest Laneway #304, Toronto, ON M2N 5X7 📧 Email: info@torontotreeremoval.ninja 🌍 Website: https://www.torontotreeremoval.ninja

Citations:

Toronto Tree Removal Services

Tree Bylaws & Removal Permits – City of Toronto

ISA Certified Arborists – Why Certification Matters

[probablyasocialecologist]

In 2012, Dutch teenager Boyan Slat presented a TED Talk on his concept for cleaning up the ocean with simple mechanisms to sweep up all the trash. While scientists and plastics experts cautioned that his ideas were ineffective, Slat’s non-profit the Ocean Cleanup, founded the year after his talk went viral, has gained millions of followers and big-name backers, including Salesforce, Maersk, KIA, and PayPal’s Peter Thiel. But the venture had one major problem: its first two designs didn’t work, despite the group burning through tens of millions of dollars over the course of a decade. The Ocean Cleanup has since pivoted to work with upstream river “interceptors” that are much more efficient at capturing garbage, but its website still prominently features its latest ocean debris “solution”—essentially a trawl fishing net dragged between two boats that has, to date, collected a comparatively miniscule amount of trash. Tech projects like these are more of a curse than a blessing. Even if the Ocean Cleanup one day somehow beats the insurmountable odds and removes all surface-level traces of plastic marine pollution, it’d still be missing the vast majority of waste that sinks to the bottom of the ocean floor, or breaks up into tiny microplastics. While companies like these bring increased attention to the plastics crisis, they’re ultimately flashy gimmicks that lull our public consciousness into thinking a clever gadget can solve a collective-action problem. These projects also allow consumer brands—like Coca-Cola, an official “Global Implementation Partner” of Slat’s group—to greenwash their continued massive plastic production, while lobbying behind-the-scenes against regulations that would actually help the world break its plastic addiction.  “We now know that we can’t start to reduce plastic pollution without a reduction of production,” environmental scientists Imari Walker-Franklin and Jenna Jambeck write in the introduction to their forthcoming study, Plastics. To meaningfully address this crisis and others like it, we need to look upstream, invest in reuse infrastructure, and mandate biodegradable packaging and high material recyclability. At a minimum, we need to start making producers bear the cost for the collection and disposal of their poorly designed goods.

[materialsscienceandengineering]

Nanomaterials are emerging as a powerful tool for coastal oil spill cleanup

Cleaning up after a major oil spill is a long, expensive process, and the damage to a coastal region's ecosystem can be significant. This is especially true for the world's Arctic region, where newly opened sea lanes will expose remote shorelines to increased risks due to an anticipated rise in sea traffic. Current mitigation techniques even in heavily populated regions face serious limitations, including low oil absorption capacity, potential toxicity to marine life and a slow remediation process. However, advances in nanotechnology may provide solutions that are more effective, safer and work much faster than current methods. That's according to a new paper in Environmental Science: Nano by a Concordia-led team of researchers.

Read more.

[hobartbinexperts]

Efficient Waste Management in Hobart: Why Skip Bin Hire Is the Smart Solution

Proper waste management is more than just a civic duty, it is a necessity for maintaining safe, clean, and functional living and working environments. Whether you are managing waste from a home renovation, garden cleanup, or construction project, dealing with rubbish efficiently is key. In Hobart, hiring a skip bin has become one of the easiest and most reliable ways to handle waste responsibly.

Understanding the Role of Skip Bins

Skip bins are large open containers that are delivered to your location and picked up after use. They provide a central place to collect waste during a project or cleanup, keeping your property tidy and streamlining the disposal process. Skip bins come in a variety of sizes, making them suitable for projects of all scales, from clearing out a single room to managing waste on a job site.

Hiring a skip bin in Hobart also supports better waste sorting and recycling. Many service providers separate recyclable materials from landfill waste, ensuring that reusable items do not end up in the wrong place.

When to Hire a Skip Bin

There are several situations where hiring a skip bin is not only practical but necessary:

Home renovations: Demolition materials, broken tiles, cabinets, plasterboard, and other debris are too bulky for regular bins.

Garden maintenance: Pruning, cutting trees, or general landscaping produces a large volume of green waste best handled with a green waste bin.

Moving or decluttering: Whether you are downsizing, moving to a new home, or just cleaning out the garage, you will likely discover more waste than expected.

Commercial or construction work: Builders and contractors benefit from having a bin on site to manage continuous waste production.

What You Can Put in a Skip Bin

Skip bins are versatile and designed to accept a wide range of waste types. Here are some commonly accepted materials:

General household waste like furniture and packaging

Green waste such as grass clippings and branches

Construction materials like bricks, concrete, and timber

Office or commercial waste including old equipment and paper

However, there are restrictions. Items such as asbestos, chemicals, batteries, gas bottles, and tyres are usually not allowed. Always confirm with your bin provider before loading your waste to avoid extra fees or refused pickups.

Choosing the Right Bin Size

Bin sizes can range from small two cubic metre mini skips to large ten cubic metre bins suitable for commercial use. Choosing the right size depends on the scope of your project:

Two to four cubic metres: Ideal for household cleanups and small garden jobs

Six to eight cubic metres: Suitable for renovations or clearing multiple rooms

Ten cubic metres and above: Best for construction or large commercial work

A helpful tip is to choose one size larger than your estimate. Overfilling can lead to extra charges or collection refusal.

Eco Friendly Waste Disposal

One of the biggest benefits of hiring a skip bin is its support of sustainable waste practices. In Hobart, several providers are committed to reducing landfill by sorting and recycling materials whenever possible. Choosing a responsible provider ensures your waste is not only removed efficiently but also managed in an environmentally conscious way.

You can explore more waste disposal tips and guidance from local experts through our Hobart Bin Experts profile, a helpful resource for staying informed about responsible waste solutions.

This is particularly important as Hobart strengthens its focus on sustainability. Proper waste handling reduces pollution, lowers emissions, and supports local recycling efforts.

Tips for a Smooth Skip Bin Experience

To make the most of your bin hire:

Plan the placement to ensure clear access for delivery and pickup

Break down furniture or boxes to save space

Load heavy or large items first

Do not overfill above the top of the bin

Keep the area around the bin clean to prevent illegal dumping

Also, check with your local council if the bin needs to be placed on public property as permits may be required.

Supporting Local Waste Experts

Hiring a local skip bin company offers many advantages. Local providers understand Hobart’s guidelines, offer flexible service, and can often respond more quickly. Plus, supporting local businesses helps the community thrive and often results in better customer support.

Whether you are clearing a garden or managing construction debris, working with a reliable and ethical provider can make your project smoother and greener.

Final Thoughts

Efficient waste removal is essential for successful projects in Hobart. Skip bins provide a smart, convenient, and eco conscious solution for homeowners, contractors, and business owners alike. For affordable and trusted service, visit skip bin hire Hobart and simplify your waste management today.

[posttexasstressdisorder]

WhatMatters

Your guide to California policy and politics

By Lynn La

July 1, 2025

Presented by Dairy Cares, Climate-Smart Agricultural Partnership, California Housing Consortium and TURN- The Utility Reform Network

 

 

Good morning, California.

Huge changes to CA’s landmark environmental law, CEQA

A framer working on a construction project as seen through a puddle's reflection in Castro Valley on Feb. 6, 2024. Photo by Camille Cohen for CalMatters

Last week Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a state budget deal with the caveat that the Legislature would also advance trailer bills intended to speed up housing development in California. The governor signed those measures Monday (more on that later), signaling a major change in the state’s 54-year-old environmental law. 

The California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA, requires government agencies to review and disclose the environmental impact of any public project, including new housing developments. The new changes to the landmark law would affect the state in two key ways:

Urban housing: For years pro-development advocates and the building industry argued that neighborhood groups and environmentalists wielded CEQA to delay or halt new development. Now, a large portion of urban “infill” housing developments — housing built in and around existing development — will no longer be subject to the law. That means developers won’t have to research or mitigate the ways new construction could impact local traffic, pollution, noise levels and other environmental factors. Though some housing experts say removing delays that would have previously existed under CEQA is significant, it’s too soon to guarantee that development in California will accelerate. Other factors, such as rising labor costs, tariffs and permitting processes can also slow down construction. Read more from CalMatters’ Ben Christopher.

High-tech facilities: Critics of the CEQA changes are also slamming exemptions for high-tech manufacturing sites, which they say would make it easier for companies to build industrial projects in low-income communities already struggling with pollution. Democratic Sen. María Elena Durazo of Los Angeles, for example, cited the extensive cleanup efforts of lead-contaminated soil stemming from a battery recycling facility in Vernon. But Sen. Scott Wiener, a proponent of the CEQA changes, said the exemptions would help attract more companies, such as computer chip makers. Said the San Francisco Democrat: “These are jobs of the future … and I want them to be in California.” Read more from CalMatters’ Alejandro Lazo and Rachel Becker.

CalMatters events: Join us on July 30 in San Francisco for a two-part conversation on how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are transforming work. We’ll explore the legal and ethical challenges, and the need for policy solutions to safeguard workers’ rights. Register today to join in person or online.

Other Stories You Should Know

CA budget deal wraps up

Lawmakers gather on the Assembly floor before the start of session at the state Capitol in Sacramento on June 30, 2025. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

From CalMatters Capitol reporter Alexei Koseff:

Newsom, ‘Yes In My Backyard’ lawmakers and the carpenters union took a victory lap Monday evening as Newsom signed a pair of bills that will streamline environmental reviews for many housing and infrastructure projects in California. The governor demanded that the state’s entire $321 billion budget — which he signed on Friday — could not take effect without the proposals.

They received his approval just hours before the start of the new fiscal year on July 1, at a signing conference where Newsom touted the changes as necessary to get California building again or risk losing the trust of the public: “We needed to go bold and big on this Holy Grail reform,” he said.

More budget news: As part of labor deal negotiations with some public employee unions this year, Newsom’s office is pausing state spending toward health care benefits these workers receive in retirement, reports CalMatters’ Adam Ashton.

With the price tag of $85 billion, retirement health care benefits serve as one of the state’s largest long-term debts. By pausing pre-funding payments for two years for current workers, the state would save more than $700 million in the new budget year, according to Newsom’s office.

Since workers in these unions also won’t have to contribute toward their retirement health care for that time period, the move would also boost their take home pay by as much as 4.5%.

Read more here.

 

Protecting and paying young athletes 🏈

A La Costa Canyon Mighty Mavericks player during a Pop Warner football game against the Valley Center Mighty Jaguars in Carlsbad on Sept. 15, 2012. Photo by Mike Blake, Reuters

Some changes could be on the way for California sports:

Youth football helmets: A year after Newsom vetoed a bill that would have banned kids younger than 12 from playing tackle football, the Legislature is considering a bill to prohibit youth tackle football leagues from banning “soft-shelled add-ons on football helmets” that are intended to prevent concussions. According to the bill’s author, Assemblymember Avelino Valencia, an Anaheim Democrat and former college football player, the proposal tries “to make the game as safe as possible, while also providing the opportunity for parents and young people to play this game if they so choose.” Read more from CalMatters’ Ryan Sabalow.

Paying college athletes: As part of a class-action lawsuit that takes effect today, California’s top universities can begin paying their athletes directly. Previously, student athletes were paid by third parties, such as a company, for their “name, image and likeness.” But in an unprecedented shift that further blurs the line between amateur and professional players, a school would be able to pay a total of $20.5 million this year to any or all of its athletes. Some student athletes at UC Berkeley, for example, could make more than $200,000 a year. Read more from CalMatters’ Adam Echelman.

 

And lastly: Start Farm probe; transit commuters pushed out

Firefighters work to put out a burning home as the Palisades Fire spreads through Pacific Palisades in Los Angeles on Jan. 7, 2025. Photo by Caylo Seals, SIPA USA via AP Images

California regulators have launched an investigation into State Farm’s handling of wildfire claims from the L.A. County fires. CalMatters’ Levi Sumagaysay and video strategy director Robert Meeks have a video about the probe, which stems from survivors’ reports of delays and poor service as part of our partnership with PBS SoCal. Watch it here.

And check out another video from CalMatters’ Ben Christopher and Robert about the displacement of public transit riders in gentrifying neighborhoods. Watch it here.

SoCalMatters airs at 5:58 p.m. weekdays on PBS SoCal.

California Voices

CalMatters columnist Dan Walters: Newsom is taking a page out of former Gov. Jerry Brown’s playbook when it comes to building a national image, but Newsom should make sure his political stunts don’t become too blatant.

Other things worth your time:

 

Some stories may require a subscription to read.

 

 

Plan to sell off public land in the West nixed from ‘big, beautiful bill’ amid GOP backlash // Los Angeles Times

ICE is arresting migrants in worksite raids. Employers are largely escaping charges // The Washington Post

CA’s strategy to advance equity for descendants of slavery // KQED

The whole country is starting to look like CA // The Atlantic

Newsom makes good on $100M promise for downtown Fresno // Fresnoland

A year of inspections at Men’s Central Jail reveals ‘horrific’ conditions // Los Angeles Daily News

Military requesting to pull 200 troops back from CA protest duty // AP News

Trump administration sues LA over sanctuary policy // Los Angeles Times

LA fire property owners who chose to clear debris themselves must have it completed — or face consequences // LAist

 

See you next time!

Tips, insight or feedback? Email whatmatters@calmatters.org. Subscribe to CalMatters newsletters here. Follow CalMatters on Facebook and Twitter.

 

     

 

About Us· How We're Funded· Subscribe· Donate

 

CalMatters 1017 L Street #261 Sacramento, CA 95814 United States

[clickbliss]

Loddlenaut: a cozy clean up that leaves the bigger questions behind

by Amr (@siegarettes)

Loddlenaut

Developers - Moon Lagoon

Publisher - Secret Mode

PC,

With a chill, and I daresay--cozy--atmosphere, Loddlenaut offers exactly the kind of laid back routine that’s easy to dip into for small moments of satisfaction. Taking the role of an ocean sanitation worker, there’s an immediate satisfaction to clearing the junk and gunk in the area, which builds towards the long term goal of creating a clear, inhabitable biome. Loddles, the native lifeform of the planet, provide a light pet raising element, not unlike Sonic Adventure’s Chao Gardens.

Alongside the cute, slightly aliased aesthetic, and some light survival game elements, Loddlenaut kept me plenty engaged and doesn’t overstay its welcome, with plenty smaller goals for those looking for more. Yet it's those same cozy elements, and the vague gestures toward an environmental message that Loddlenaut struggles to square away. 

Loddlenaut follows a familiar structure, starting you out with limited capabilities, clearing areas to reveal the next, and in the process gaining access to new materials and faster, more efficient abilities. Intentional or not, this turns the world into a “frontier”, where wildlife and environmental resources become stepping stones to greater control over the space.

Loddlenaut attempts to sidestep these issues by focusing on restoring an environment that was already previously inhabited, cleaning up the mess left by a careless corporation that exploited the planet’s resources. Materials are simply reclaimed from debris left behind, and it’s restoring the habitats of the plant and animal life that provides resources, not harvesting them. But it’s difficult to throw off the underlying motivations that drive its progression. 

Systems like fast travel emphasize this struggle, only allowing you to quickly travel between areas after you’ve cleared them, and consequently, reclaimed all their materials. The framing is slightly different, but functionally it feels no different to clearing all the objectives in an open world game. The feeling is exasperated in the late game, where the amount of trash increases, and the limited inventory pushes against your ability to make steady progress. The goal quickly became gathering materials to ease the tedium, and more than a few times I considered jettisoning trash back into the area instead of lugging it back to base, so I could clear more of an area before making a return trip. (Dropped trash doesn’t count against an area’s completion). I ultimately didn’t, but looking at the forums it seems that I wasn’t the only one with that idea. 

The story gestures towards larger environmental concerns, but never resolves. Your operator makes repeated comments about the massive damage done by the corporation that’s hired you for cleanup, but reassures you that it’s not your job to question your actions, only clean up after them. The delivery had me almost sure that there’d be a turn somewhere near the end, but Loddlenaut concludes with a simple “nature is healing”, creating an unintentional downer ending as I left knowing the underlying problem creating the pollution hadn’t been dealt with.

The team’s intentions seem more to imply that the work is not yet done, to avoid a simple easy solution, and inspire further action, but it leaves so many underlying assumptions unchallenged in an attempt for a feel good ending. I walked away feeling less like my character had made a meaningful contribution, but instead was doomed to be a janitor for the messes of a corporation who would continue to move to new worlds and leave the same problems behind. 

I ended up returning to Loddlenaut after the ending, wanting to clear up the areas that had become polluted again in my absence, and to check up and name the Loddles that I hadn’t had time for as I barrelled through the last areas. The little creatures remained cute as ever, but I couldn’t help notice the eerie stillness of the planet. Without the pollution cluttering up the landscape, it had the vibe of an aquarium. An isolated space to raise pets, with sunken structures to add visual variety. 

The thing is, as an aquarium, it’s easy to find joy in. At the end of the day I do love to feed and raise my pets, and clean the gunk out of their tank. Loddlenaut is just that, a playground for your pets that I enjoyed, that gestures at the bigger questions without any answers for them.

[environmental911]

Reliable Storm Damage Cleanup Services – Fast & Efficient

Environmental 911 offers fast and dependable storm damage cleanup services to help property owners recover quickly after severe weather events. Our skilled team is equipped to handle fallen trees, flooding, structural damage, and debris removal with precision and care. We work efficiently to restore safety and order to your home or business, minimizing further damage and disruption. With a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, we’re here when you need us most. Count on Environmental 911 for expert storm recovery solutions. For more information, call us at (626) 316-6651 or email joec@enviro911.com.

[cogitoergofun]

Last year, representatives of New Mexico’s oil industry met behind closed doors with the very groups with which they typically clash — state regulators and environmentalists — in search of an answer to the more than 70,000 wells sitting unplugged across the state. Many leak oil, brine and toxic or explosive gasses, and more than 1,700 have already been left to the public to clean up.

The situation is so dire that oil companies agreed to help try to find a solution.

After months of negotiations, the state regulators who ran the meetings emerged with a proposal that they hoped would appease everyone in the room. The bill would instruct drillers to set aside more money to plug their wells, authorize regulators to block risky sales to companies that would be unlikely to afford to clean up their wells and implement a buffer zone between wells and hospitals, schools, homes and other buildings.

The industry, unhappy with the state’s final language, turned against the bill it helped shape.

The influential New Mexico Oil and Gas Association told its supporters that HB 133 was “a radical and dangerous approach designed to strangle the oil and gas industry” and asked them to send their elected representatives a form letter opposing it. If passed, the trade group proclaimed, the bill would “Destroy New Mexico.” The Independent Petroleum Association of New Mexico, which represents small oil companies, called the bill “overzealous.”

In the face of such opposition, Democrats removed key provisions. The New Mexico Oil and Gas Association eventually changed its position to neutral, but largely stripped of substance, the bill died on the floor of the House of Representatives.

“Industry killing the bills was the dynamic I saw,” said Adam Peltz, a senior attorney with the Environmental Defense Fund who helped write the New Mexico proposal, as well as similar bills in other oil-producing states.

New Mexico faces a multibillion-dollar shortfall between the money companies have set aside to plug wells and the actual cost of doing so, according to state research, a reality mirrored in many states.

Across the country, more than 2 million oil and gas wells sit unplugged, but the money held in cleanup funds, called bonds, is many tens of billions of dollars short of the projected costs, ProPublica and Capital & Main found. Now, a once-in-a-lifetime effort to shrink that shortfall is underway, spurred in large part by federal funding for well-plugging efforts.

As regulators and legislators seek to require that drillers set aside more money for the work, they have invited oil companies and trade groups to help write the regulations. This dynamic — politically expedient in states where the industry wields tremendous influence — has combined with secretive drafting processes and millions of dollars of industry lobbying to weaken or kill proposals in state after state.

In some, including Oklahoma and Utah, lawmakers propose bills only after oil trade groups approve the language. In many others, regulators and drillers work together through organizations such as the quasi-governmental Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission to design policy. But even when given a seat at the table, like in New Mexico, the industry has turned against reform efforts.

[mayfieldenvironmentalsolutions]

Homeless Encampment Cleanups by Mayfield Environmental Solutions 🌟

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Homeless Waste Removal 🚮

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Trash Hauling & Vacant Lot Maintenance 🏚️

Mold Remediation 🦠

Property Boardups 🏠

Graffiti Removal 🎨

We are experts in handling difficult situations related to homeless encampments, squatters, and abandoned properties with dignity and precision.

Why Choose Mayfield?

Certified & Licensed: We meet all OSHA and state regulations for hazardous work and hold licenses through the California Department of Health for Trauma Waste. 🛡️

Professional, Safe, and Documented: We provide the highest level of care, documentation, and safety that junk haulers cannot offer. ✔️

Comprehensive Solutions: We are equipped to handle complex cleanup challenges, ensuring full compliance and thorough restoration. 💼

For more info, visit Mayfield Environmental Solutions.