On a chilly March afternoon, Billton Werito was on a drive with his young son, Amari, heading to their home in Counselor, New Mexico. The route was a rugged dirt road flanked by a network of natural gas pipelines and industrial installations. Amari, who should have been in school, was absent due to a persistent headache and nausea.
Amari, a sixth-grader, is familiar with these symptoms, which he attributes to a “rotten egg-like propane” odor seeping from nearby gas wells. This smell often drifts over Lybrook Elementary School, attended by nearly 70 Navajo children, including Amari and his younger brother. Frequent health issues force them to miss classes, causing academic setbacks.
Located in the central part of New Mexico’s San Juan Basin, Lybrook is surrounded by a significant oil and gas field that, together with the Permian Basin in the southeast, powers a large portion of the U.S. electricity supply. The national reliance on natural gas has economic advantages, as it replaces higher-polluting coal and supports thousands of jobs locally. Moreover, revenue from these industries contributes heavily to the state’s finances.
However, the presence of oil and gas operations close to schools poses risks. An analysis has shown that about 29,500 students in 74 educational institutions in New Mexico might be exposed to harmful emissions due to their proximity to oil and gas facilities. These environmental conditions have been linked to poor student performance.
At Lybrook Elementary, proficiency in math among students is below 6%, and one in five students meets required standards in science and reading. While socio-economic factors and rural challenges contribute to these outcomes, research indicates that air pollutants from fossil fuels significantly impair learning.
Nationally, a study pointed out that over 1,000 schools across 12 states lie within five miles of substantial oil or gas fields, indicating a widespread issue. Professor Mike Gilraine from Simon Fraser University highlighted how air pollution notably undermines educational outcomes. Reduced air pollution correlated with improved test scores and attendance.
Although the switch to natural gas from coal has generally enhanced air quality and student performance, data on New Mexico’s air quality remain limited. Notably, an investigation at Lybrook School found alarming pollution levels during school hours, including benzene, a hazardous byproduct of gas extraction.
A 2021 health assessment supported by non-profits revealed severe respiratory issues among locals, tied to elevated pollutant levels. This affirmed concerns expressed by community leaders like Daniel Tso over health impacts on children due to nearby gas infrastructure.
In contrast, educational benefits from oil and gas revenues are evident in places like Loving, in New Mexico’s busy Permian Basin. With air quality reportedly worse than urban benchmarks, the community remains divided. While some attribute health problems to industrial pollution, others prioritize economic gain.
Loving Superintendent Lee White recognized the industry’s financial contributions, which have funded significant school improvements and professional development. He dismissed concerns about air cleanliness, despite evidence of ozone pollution from nearby facilities.
Advocates argue for stricter controls on drilling near schools. A 2023 executive order prohibited new leases on state land within a mile of schools, but its broader legislative counterpart failed to pass. Legal actions against the state for insufficient pollution management are ongoing.
These developments underscore the intricate balance between exploiting natural resources for economic benefits and mitigating health risks for vulnerable communities, particularly schoolchildren. As discussions continue, the quest for sustainable solutions becomes ever more critical.