Carlsbad Current Argus (Oct. 20, 2022) – Oil and gas industry leaders in New Mexico and the Permian Basin said they were fighting to defend fossil fuels during a shifting political landscape and government agendas seeking to transition to lower-polluting forms of energy.
The State recently tightened requirements on oil and gas operations at both the New Mexico Environment Department and its Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department intending to curtail air-polluting emissions like methane from extraction activities throughout the state.
These rulemakings were part of an overall push by the administration of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to reduce environmental impacts and transition away from oil and gas – an industry that makes up about a third of New Mexico’s budget.
Jim Winchester, president of the Independent Petroleum of New Mexico said the environmentalist agenda of the state imposed “prohibitive” costs on New Mexico’s operators.
His comments came during a panel discussion as part of the annual Mayor’s Energy Summit, a gathering of oil and gas executives and industry supporters held Thursday in Carlsbad, and amid the Association’s lawsuit against the NMED’s rules which Winchester said were unfair to the small producers his group represents.
He said the industry must make its case for continued oil and gas production to state lawmakers, with the 2023 Legislative Session in Santa Fe planned to begin in January.
“The rules go a little further than they need to with respect to small producers,” Winchester said. “We support good environmental regulation. What we are seeking is a good, level playing field.”
Full Article: Oil and Gas Industry Defends Itself Against ‘Prohibitive’ Policy in New Mexico
