New Mexico Environment Department Sec. James Kenney and New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez asked a state court to order Cannon Air Force Base near Clovis to comply with state law and let inspectors collect on-site samples of toxic PFAS. The motion follows Cannon officials’ refusal to allow NMED inspectors to conduct environmental sampling during a regulatory inspection on July 15. In doing so, the U.S. Air Force has blatantly disregarded state law as NMED has clear authority to conduct environmental sampling under state and federal law.

“The Air Force’s refusal to allow state inspectors to measure the impact of their actions in releasing cancer causing chemicals into our communities is just one more example of the federal government’s refusal to accept responsibility for the welfare of the citizens they have sworn an oath to protect. Despite these shameful tactics, the people of New Mexico should have no doubt about our resolve in holding the Air Force accountable for their actions and to force them to pay for the damage they have done to our environment, our livelihoods and our public health.” – AG Torrez