ABQ Journal Op-Ed – Rep. Jared Hembree (March 18, 2024) – New Mexico is fortunate to have millions of acres of state trust lands that generate billions of dollars to benefit our schools, universities, hospitals, and other public institutions.

The State Land Office currently manages 9 million acres of surface real estate and 13 million mineral acres of trust land which generated $2 billion in fiscal year 2022. The most significant revenue source has been through leases for oil and natural gas development.

The State Land Commissioner, who directs the State Land Office, has a fiduciary responsibility to manage the trust lands in a manner that maximizes the financial return for the many beneficiaries that are guaranteed to receive a specific portion of the revenues.

While the state trust land leasing system has historically been administered with minimal controversy, current Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard has recently decided to play political games with this important function.

Read in Full:  State Land Commissioner Playing Daredevil Politics