By Theresa Davis / Journal Staff Writer   The Independent Petroleum Association of New Mexico filed a legal appeal Friday challenging new state regulations aimed at reducing ozone pollution in the oil and gas industry. New Mexico's Environmental Improvement Board adopted the new rules in April, and they officially went into effect on Friday. Oil and gas operators in high-ozone counties must now have emissions data certified by an engineer. IPANM executive director Jim Winchester said the rule contains provisions that will force companies to plug productive wells and "inflict economic hardship" on residents. "At a time when the public...