"Oil Producer Slapped with $40 Million Fine for Excessive Natural Gas Burning in New Mexico"

New Mexico regulators have fined Texas-based oil and natural gas producer Ameredev $40.3 million for burning off excessive amounts of natural gas in violation of pollution reporting and control requirements. The burning caused excessive emissions of pollutants linked to climate warming and health issues. Ameredev is accused of mining oil and gas without means of transporting the gas via pipeline, resulting in the burning of natural gas in excess of limits or without authorization. The fines are the largest ever imposed by the state, and the company has been ordered to cease all excess emissions and seek accurate permits.