Report on Oil and Gas Production in the Permian Basin: A Sustainable Development Goals Analysis

Executive Summary

An investigation was conducted into the environmental and health impacts of the oil and gas supply chain originating in the Permian Basin. The findings indicate that record-breaking fossil fuel production in this region directly contravenes multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to health, clean energy, climate action, and sustainable communities. This report details the specific conflicts between industry practices and the global objectives for sustainable development.

Impact on Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3)

The expansion of oil and gas operations, particularly hydraulic fracturing (fracking), poses significant threats to public health, undermining SDG 3. The primary health risks identified are linked to air and water pollution.

• Air Pollutants: Fracking and associated infrastructure release a range of harmful substances, including:
  • Methane (a climate superpollutant)
  • Particulate Matter (PM 2.5)
  • Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), such as the known carcinogen benzene.
• Health Consequences:
  1. The reaction of NOx and VOCs with sunlight creates ground-level ozone. Southeast New Mexico now has some of the highest ozone levels in the country, leading to increased rates of asthma, inflamed airways, and respiratory infections.
  2. Exposure to PM 2.5 is causally linked by the American Heart Association to an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular death.
  3. The chemical mixtures used in fracking often contain PFAS (“forever chemicals”) and heavy metals, which can accumulate in water and dust, posing long-term carcinogenic and other health risks to communities.

Environmental Degradation and Climate Impact (SDGs 6, 13, 15)

The industry’s activities in the Permian Basin have led to severe environmental degradation, directly conflicting with goals for climate action, clean water, and terrestrial ecosystems.

• Climate Action (SDG 13): The emission of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, from drilling, venting, and flaring activities is a major driver of climate change. The surge in production has made the U.S. the world’s top oil and gas exporter, intensifying global climate challenges.
• Life on Land (SDG 15): The landscape of the Permian Basin has been fundamentally reshaped by industrial infrastructure. Furthermore, air pollution from these activities is degrading protected natural areas, with air quality monitors at Carlsbad Caverns regularly detecting ozone levels that exceed federal health standards.
• Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6): The use and potential mismanagement of hazardous chemicals in fracking fluids threaten the long-term security of local water resources, jeopardizing access to clean water.

Socio-Economic Consequences and Sustainable Communities (SDGs 8, 11, 12)

The economic model promoted by the oil and gas industry in the region is at odds with the principles of sustainable economic growth and safe, resilient communities.

• Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12): The rapid increase in crude oil production following the 2015 lifting of an export ban represents a pattern of unsustainable production and consumption that is reliant on finite, polluting resources.
• Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8): The regional economy of areas like Carlsbad has shifted from sustainable sectors like agriculture and tourism to a dependency on the fossil fuel industry, creating economic vulnerability and undermining diversified growth.
• Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11): The encroachment of industrial operations on residential areas degrades living conditions and public safety. Pervasive air pollution makes communities less healthy and sustainable for current and future generations.

Governance and Institutional Failures (SDG 16)

Effective governance and strong institutions are critical for protecting citizens and the environment. However, significant challenges in regulation and enforcement have been identified.

• Regulatory Weaknesses: Federal rollbacks of air and water quality regulations have weakened protections for communities exposed to pollution.
• Enforcement Gaps: Despite New Mexico having some of the nation’s leading methane rules, enforcement is reported to be lagging, rendering the regulations ineffective.
• Lack of Interstate Cooperation: Prevailing winds carry ozone-forming pollutants from Texas into New Mexico. This transboundary pollution problem is exacerbated by the fact that Texas does not monitor ozone levels in the region, highlighting a failure in institutional cooperation.

Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17)

In response to these challenges, local and national organizations are forming partnerships to advocate for change, embodying the spirit of SDG 17.

• Citizens Caring for the Future: A grassroots group empowering local residents and leaders to advocate for the enforcement of environmental safeguards.
• Physicians for Social Responsibility: A coalition of health professionals working to highlight the public health consequences of fossil fuel dependency.
• Earthworks: An environmental organization collaborating with local partners to document industry harms and support community-led advocacy efforts.

Relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • The article extensively discusses the negative health impacts on communities due to oil and gas production. It mentions specific health problems such as “asthma and inflamed airways, difficulty breathing,” increased risk of “heart attacks and strokes,” and links to “cardiovascular death” and carcinogens like benzene. This directly connects to the goal of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being.

2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

   • The article points to water contamination as a consequence of fracking. It states that the “chemical cocktail also often includes PFAS (‘forever chemicals’), heavy metals, and other hazardous compounds” which “accumulate in water and dust, posing long-term threats to local communities.” This addresses the goal of ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water.

3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • The focus on air quality in populated areas like Carlsbad, New Mexico, links directly to this goal. The article highlights that “southeast New Mexico has some of the highest ozone levels in the country,” which regularly “exceed the EPA’s 8-hour health standard,” making communities less safe and sustainable.

4. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • The article identifies methane as a “climate superpollutant” released during the fracking process. The entire discussion is framed around the harms of the fossil fuel industry, which is the primary driver of climate change, thus connecting to the urgent need for climate action.

5. SDG 15: Life on Land

   • The article mentions the environmental degradation of landscapes and the threat to protected ecosystems. It notes that the oil and gas industry is “encroaching on the city” and impacting areas near the “grand Guadalupe Mountains and spectacular Carlsbad Caverns,” which are hubs for ecological tourism and biodiversity.

6. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

   • This SDG is addressed through the discussion of environmental regulations and their enforcement. The article states that while New Mexico has “leading methane rules in the country; yet enforcement lags far behind.” It also mentions regulatory rollbacks and the role of grassroots organizations like “Citizens Caring for the Future” advocating for accountability and stronger environmental safeguards.

Specific SDG Targets

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.
     
     Explanation: The article directly supports this target by detailing how pollutants from oil and gas operations—such as particulate matter (PM 2.5), nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), benzene, PFAS, and heavy metals—are causing severe health issues, including respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer risks in local communities.

2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

   • Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials.
     
     Explanation: The article mentions that fracking’s “chemical cocktail” includes “PFAS (‘forever chemicals’), heavy metals, and other hazardous compounds” that “accumulate in water,” directly addressing the need to reduce the release of hazardous chemicals into water sources.

3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality.
     
     Explanation: This target is relevant as the article focuses on the deteriorating air quality in communities like Carlsbad. It specifies that “southeast New Mexico has some of the highest ozone levels in the country” and that these levels are “trending upwards,” directly linking oil and gas activities to a negative environmental impact on the community.

4. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.
     
     Explanation: The article highlights the lack of effective climate policy and enforcement. It mentions the “rollback” of “air- and water-quality regulations” and the fact that state-level “methane rules” are not being properly enforced, pointing to a failure to integrate and implement climate change measures effectively.

5. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
     
     Explanation: The article points to a weakness in institutional effectiveness by stating that in New Mexico, “enforcement lags far behind” the existing environmental rules. The work of citizen groups advocating for better “enforcement and implementation of state methane rules” underscores the need for more accountable institutions.

Indicators for Measuring Progress

1. For Target 3.9 (Reduce deaths from pollution)

   • Indicator (Implied): Mortality rate attributed to air pollution (Official Indicator 3.9.1).
     
     Explanation: The article links PM 2.5 emissions directly to being “causally linked to cardiovascular death by the American Heart Association.” Tracking mortality and morbidity rates from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases in the Permian Basin would serve as a direct measure of progress.

2. For Target 11.6 (Reduce adverse environmental impact of cities)

   • Indicator (Direct): Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone in cities (related to Official Indicator 11.6.2).
     
     Explanation: The article explicitly mentions “tiny particulate matter, or PM 2.5” and provides a specific, measurable data point for ozone: “ozone levels to regularly exceed the EPA’s 8-hour health standard of 70 ppb.” These pollutants can be monitored to measure progress towards improving urban air quality.

3. For Target 6.3 (Improve water quality)

   • Indicator (Implied): Concentration of hazardous chemicals in water bodies.
     
     Explanation: The article states that PFAS and heavy metals “accumulate in water.” Therefore, measuring the levels of these specific contaminants in local water sources would be a key indicator of whether water quality is improving or deteriorating.

4. For Target 16.6 (Develop effective institutions)

   • Indicator (Implied): Number of enforcement actions or fines for violations of environmental regulations.
     
     Explanation: The article’s central point that “enforcement lags far behind” suggests that tracking the frequency and effectiveness of regulatory enforcement (e.g., inspections, violation notices, penalties issued) for methane and other pollution rules would be a practical indicator of institutional accountability.

Summary of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: earthworks.org