In “I See Stupid People,” John R. Grizz Deal critiques the rise of anti-science sentiments surrounding water reuse in New Mexico. He describes how public fearmongering has led to opposition against treating and reusing produced water—a crucial resource amid the state’s severe drought. Deal emphasizes that all water is recycled over time and insists that produced water can be treated to meet safety standards for various uses, including agriculture and environmental restoration.
He argues that the resistance is rooted in a political agenda against the oil and gas industry rather than genuine environmental concerns. The Water Quality Control Commission’s decision to ban the use of treated produced water, despite its safety, showcases a misguided approach that could lead New Mexico to face severe water scarcity.
Deal calls out the irrationality of rejecting viable solutions supported by scientists and experts, asserting that embracing water reuse is essential for the state’s future. He warns that ignoring these solutions due to ideological fanaticism could result in a desolate future for New Mexico, urging a shift away from fear-based narratives toward practical, scientifically-backed actions.
