Members of the New Mexico House of Representatives spoke about a changing New Mexico, its viewpoint of the oil and gas industry and the impact of upcoming elections during a panel session at the Permian Basin Petroleum Association’s Annual Meeting.

Jim Townsend, House minority leader, began by giving his thoughts on the upcoming state elections.

“I think the temperature in New Mexico is changing,” Townsend said, “I think the temperature in New Mexico is like a lot of the U.S. today and that is – it’s in turmoil.”

Member of the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee Rebecca Dow stated that it’s the first time in a long time that New Mexicans can elect pro-energy candidates to a state office. 

Townsend stated that the New Mexico House is going from mostly Democrat to now being called a “toss up.”

Greg Nibert, a member of the House Government, Elections and Indian Affairs Committee, commented on the Green Amendment and its relation to New Mexican and West Texan industry.

“It has basically created a constitutional right to clean water and clean air. Beyond that it gives citizens a private cause of action against people that they believe are infringing on their right to clean water and clean air,” he said.

He said the legislation places a target on the backs of vital industries in New Mexico and West Texas.

“The people that are promoting this, they don’t want fossil fuels to be produced. Even though 45% of our budget is dependent on fossil fuels,” he said.         

He said this will have a “huge” effect on the oil, gas and energy industries.

“This amendment will have dire consequences on our state if the people of New Mexico pass it,” he stated.

Larry Scott, a member of the House Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee, spoke on the Energy Transition Act, which was passed in 2019.

He said the legislation was created after a University of New Mexico report having to do with the oil and gas industry. The report stated — according to Scott — that the upside potential for job creation was 8,530 with a renewable energy economy.  To get there, the oil and gas industry would have to sacrifice 130,000 high-paying jobs. 

“It just made no sense,” Scott said.

Scott called the industry magnificent and provides funding for virtually 100% of the school system.  He added that the costs for the piece of legislation far outweigh the benefits and will make New Mexicans poor.

Dow stressed the importance for New Mexico voters and implored the West Texas audience to tell people they know to vote. Townsend added that it is vital for members of the oil and gas industry to vote for political leaders that represent their industry.

The panel members thanked the PBPA for its support that allows them to be better informed on oil and gas-related issues as they head into election time.

 

 

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Originally Appeared Here