SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - The Latest on efforts to relax restrictions on natural gas well locations in northwestern New Mexico (all times local):

11:30 a.m.

New Mexico oilfield regulators have suspended an order that relaxed restrictions on natural gas well locations in a major production basin over the objections of a Texas-based company.

The New Mexico Oil Conservation Commission on Tuesday suspended a prior order pending the rehearing of an application by Texas-based Hilcorp Energy to double well densities in the northwest corner of the state. Oversight of wells shifted Jan. 1 to the Democratic administration of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and elected Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard.

Newly appointed Oil Conservation Commission Chairman Gabriel Wade says a rehearing is needed to ensure a full review by state regulators and adequate opportunities for public comment.

Hilcorp is defending its application and challenging Wade's qualifications to preside over a commission that makes precedent-setting decisions about rules for oil, gas and geothermal development.

1:00 a.m.

New Mexico oilfield regulators are weighing whether to reopen a decision that relaxed restrictions on gas well locations at a major production basin in the northwest corner of the state.

The New Mexico Oil Conservation Commission meets Tuesday regarding Texas-based Hilcorp Energy's approved application to double the potential number of wells above the Blanco-Mesaverde gas pool formation.

The commission approved greater well densities in the final months of the administration of Republican Gov. Susana Martinez over the objections of conservationists and area ranchers who fear environmental degradation.

New commission members are presiding over the first meeting since the swearing in on Jan. 1 of Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard.

Hilcorp says it presented a scientifically sound case in accordance with laws and regulations.

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