At the opening weekend of the ExxonMobil Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, attendees were surprised by a protest. Activists from WildEarth Guardians and The Yes Men staged a satirical demonstration, portraying themselves as representatives of a fictional oil company called Exxtreme Energy. They offered fictional samples of a “new hydration solution” made from fracking waste to visitors in the ExxonMobil sponsor tent.
Natalie Whiteman from The Yes Men pointed out that while people may find these antics funny, the reality is that companies like Exxon are serious about using potentially harmful substances in New Mexico’s agriculture and water resources. “Our role is just to say the quiet part out loud,” she said.
Balloon Fiesta officials eventually asked the protestors to leave. However, the group plans to continue their campaign against “produced water,” a byproduct of oil and gas extraction. According to the New Mexico Environment Department, produced water is highly saline, containing water recovered during drilling and hydraulic fracturing. A law passed in 2019 allows this water to be treated for other uses but raises concerns about safety and environmental impact.
Recent studies show that around 50% of New Mexicans are worried about the safety of using treated produced water. Many feel that it puts fresh water resources at risk. The protestors intend to highlight these concerns through various events, featuring a large banner reading “Exxon Profits, NM Pays,” parody merchandise, and even spoof audio ads.
As the conversation about energy practices and environmental safety continues, this protest underscores the growing tension between corporate interests and community well-being. The issue remains relevant as more people become aware of the implications of oil and gas operations on their health and environment.
For further reading on produced water and its regulations, you can visit the New Mexico Environment Department’s site here.
