ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham says the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is failing to protect public health and the environment by not helping the state in its legal battle against the U.S. Air Force over contamination at two military installations.
The governor took aim at the federal agency in a letter sent Friday to EPA administrator Andrew Wheeler.
The state in July had asked for the agency to pursue enforcement against the U.S. Defense Department for contamination at Cannon and Clovis air bases. The EPA responded that it isn't permitted to take legal action against another branch or agency of the federal government.
Lujan Grisham and New Mexico Environment Secretary James Kenney argue that the EPA in other cases has issued compliance orders forcing federal agencies to address contamination.