1. United States
2. N.M.
3. Letter

Subject: Request for Legislative Oversight: Water, Transparency, and NEPA Review Concerns – KCEC/Chevron Questa Hydrogen Project Dear [Legislator’s Name], I am writing as a resident of Northern New Mexico to respectfully request legislative oversight and additional public transparency regarding the proposed Kit Carson Electric Cooperative (KCEC) and Chevron hydrogen facility and associated solar infrastructure in Questa. While New Mexico’s transition toward clean energy is an important statewide objective, several aspects of this project warrant closer review, particularly concerning water use, long-term community impacts, and the adequacy of the environmental review process. Based on publicly available information and concerns raised by local residents and acequia stakeholders, I ask that the following issues receive further examination: • Water sourcing and cumulative impacts: The project proposes the use of groundwater from wellhead POD-18, located within the Chevron Questa Mine Superfund area. Although the proposed withdrawals may comply with existing permitting requirements, residents have questioned whether cumulative impacts to nearby domestic wells, aquifer levels, and acequia-dependent surface flows have been fully evaluated under ongoing drought conditions. • Location within a Superfund site: The proposed infrastructure would be located near capped tailings areas associated with the Chevron Questa Mine Superfund site. While no formal violation of the federal Record of Decision has been identified, community members have requested greater public disclosure regarding environmental safeguards, emergency planning, and safety protocols given the project’s proximity to residential and school areas. • NEPA review and public engagement: The project completed an Environmental Assessment (EA) and received a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). However, some residents and acequia associations believe the process provided insufficient opportunity to evaluate long-term impacts, particularly because portions of the proposal remain at a conceptual design stage. Community members have requested additional transparency regarding operational assumptions, water impacts, and possible future expansion. • Public funding and project accountability: The State Legislature is reportedly considering significant public capital outlay support connected to the project’s solar infrastructure. Given the scale of potential public investment, residents are requesting greater transparency regarding ownership structure, projected ratepayer benefits, operational efficiency assumptions, and long-term financial accountability. In light of these concerns, I respectfully ask that your office consider encouraging additional interagency review and public dialogue involving KCEC, Chevron, USDA Rural Development, the EPA, local acequia representatives, and affected residents. I also ask that the project be evaluated in the broader context of New Mexico’s long-term water sustainability goals, including those outlined in the 2024 New Mexico Water Action framework. Thank you for your time, attention, and service to the people of New Mexico. I appreciate your consideration of these concerns and your commitment to ensuring that major infrastructure projects proceed with transparency, accountability, and meaningful public participation.