Fracking potential sparks debate in Nuevo León and Tamaulipas

Conflicting perspectives have emerged regarding the potential for hydraulic fracturing (fracking) in the Mexican states of Nuevo León and Tamaulipas.

Antonio Hernández Ramírez, director of Pronatura Noreste, warned that fracking projects are entering a new stage following hydrocarbon assignments granted to Pemex during the previous administration. He noted that these assignments coincide with brackish aquifer zones in Nuevo León and the Tamaulipas border region, suggesting that the next step will be the issuance of exploitation contracts.

In contrast, Tamaulipas Energy Secretary Walter Julián Ángel Jiménez stated that there are currently no active fracking projects in the state. While acknowledging that the Burgos Basin possesses potential for such activities, he emphasized that no authorization has been granted. Jiménez maintained that any future project would strictly require compliance with environmental, technical, and social criteria, specifically noting that the use of fresh water would be prohibited in favor of highly saline water unsuitable for human or agricultural use. He also stated that community consent would be an indispensable requirement.