BLM New Mexico Air Resources

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) New Mexico stewards air resources across 13.5 million acres of public lands and 42 million acres of Federal mineral estate across the states of New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas.

Clean air is essential for healthy ecosystems, scenic vistas, and public enjoyment of these lands. BLM works to ensure that activities such as energy development, recreation, and grazing comply with the Clean Air Act and other Federal, state, and Tribal regulations, while supporting multiple-use management under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act.

Covering an array of unique landscapes—from grasslands to desert basins to high plateaus—all are sensitive to air quality impacts like ozone, particulate matter, and visibility impairment. The Air Resources Program evaluates potential effects of BLM-authorized activities, conducts air quality modeling, provides technical resources, and collaborates with other Federal agencies; state, local, and Tribal agencies; and stakeholders. These efforts help protect Class I areas, minimize air quality impacts, and assist in efforts to maintain compliance with National Ambient Air Quality Standards.

Through science-based analysis and community engagement, BLM New Mexico strives to balance resource development with environmental stewardship. The BLM considers the potential effects of projects, programs, and activities on air quality at the planning, leasing, and project level.

The BLM New Mexico has one of the largest oil and gas programs in the Bureau with two of the most prolific oil and gas basins in the United States – the San Juan and Permian Basins. The Air Resources Program coordinates with other BLM programs to ensure orderly, effective, timely, and environmentally responsible leasing of oil and gas resources of Federal minerals. By improving access to air quality data, enhancing technical expertise, and fostering partnerships, the program supports clean air for present and future generations.