Proposed fund would help oil and gas workers pay out-of-pocket health care costs

Hobbs, NM — Recently introduced legislation would establish a trust fund to reimburse energy sector workers for health care costs associated with poor air quality and intense heat.

Introduced Aug. 15 by Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-NM), the Energy Workers Health Improvement and Compensation Fund Act (H.R. 5222) would allow oil and gas workers to seek reimbursement for costs not covered by private insurance, Medicare or Medicaid that are linked to asthma, heat-related illness, and other respiratory and cardiovascular ailments related to high levels of smog, methane emissions, and exposure to particulate matter and volatile organic compounds. 

Energy workers and their immediate family members who live within 20 miles of oil and gas exploration or extraction sites for at least one year would be eligible for reimbursement.

Energy companies would be responsible for contributing an amount equal to the compensation provided to their 10 highest paid employees. If a company’s contribution is less than 98% of that amount, a penalty of an additional amount equal to 10% of the difference would be levied.

“The workers in these fields slog through dangerous conditions and are often exposed to airborne toxins,” Vasquez said in a press release. “I’m making sure our energy workers are being prioritized, and that while the rich are getting richer, the companies and people responsible for creating these health disparities are being held accountable.

“The bottom line is that we can have responsible oil and gas production that protects our health and our communities. This bill supports the backbone of our New Mexico economy – our energy workers.”

The bill has been referred to the House Education and the Workforce Committee, as well as the House Ways and Means Committee.