NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) is using money from a legal settlement to fund a new mobile air monitoring lab in a region that NMED says produces nearly 40% of the nation’s oil and has rising ozone levels. The $500,000 legal settlement between conservation group WildEarth Guardians, and OXY USA Inc., one of the largest oil and gas producers in the country, was a result of a lawsuit that addressed alleged emission violations at Oxy’s Turkey Track oil and gas facility near Carlsbad. WildEarth Guardians approached NMED with the offer, and NMED, in need of additional funding for monitors, accepted. The U.S. District Court later approved the agreement, according to an NMED spokesperson. Story continues below News: City of Albuquerque misused federal funds to give bonuses to high-ranking staff Don't Miss: Truck crashes into Albuquerque home damaging gas, electric, and structure Community: Japanese retailer Daiso opening store in New Mexico The funding will allow NMED to purchase the lab, equip it with supplies, and cover start-up costs, including personnel and operational needs. The mobile lab will be able to test air quality and weather conditions in real-time in the Permian Basin. "This new mobile lab will help us respond quickly to community concerns about local air quality in the Permian Basin,” Michelle Miano, director of NMED’s Environmental Protection Division, stated in a news release.“We’re grateful for this funding, which allows us to expand our efforts to protect clean air and public health for all New Mexicans.” NMED said its stationary monitors show ozone levels in Lea and Eddy counties exceeding 95% of federal air quality standards. The department also said prolonged ozone exposure can damage airways, increase asthma attacks, and make lungs more vulnerable to infections.