IPANM (Feb. 11, 2026) – The dangerous SB18 Clear Horizons Act died on the Senate Floor on Wednesday by a vote of 23-19 after 7 Democrats joined Republicans to vote against the bill.  The defeat represents a significant win for all of New Mexico, as the Green House Gas Reduction mandates were unattainable and would have had catastrophic impacts not just on the Oil & Gas industry in New Mexico, but hundreds of other industries and everyday New Mexicans.

• This was a win led by Republican Minority Leader Senator Bill Sharer, his staff, and Senate Republicans, who have worked tirelessly to prioritize stalling and/or killing SB18.
• It was a strategic “Call of the Senate” by Leader Sharer earlier in the week that forced Democrats to negotiate on SB18 and/or other bills, else *ALL* legislation for the entirety of the session would have been stalled indefinitely.
• ALL SENATE REPUBLICANs deserve a tremendous amount of credit for killing this bill! Their unity was instrumental in forcing SB18 to a floor vote that led to its defeat. Leading Senate Republicans who worked behind the scenes included Sen. Candy Ezzell, Sen. Larry Scott, Sen. Ant Thornton, and Sen. Jim Townsend. But, frankly, it was ALL of the Republican State Senators who played a role in killing this bill.
• Without a doubt, the pressure by IPANM, NMOGA, & PBPA substantially contributed to the bill’s defeat!
• Special thank you goes out to IPANM’s hardworking lobbyist Matt Thompson for countless hours of convincing key legislators to vote AGAINST SB18!
• In addition to the oil & gas trades, a coalition of 130+ business groups, trade associations, and tribal partners made a huge difference in the defeat of SB18!
• Senate Democrats who vote against SB18 were Sens. Cervantes, Gonzales, Hickey, Maestas, Munoz, Pinto & Shendo.
• To see final vote tally:  CLICK HERE

In addition to the oil & gas trade associations, over 130+ groups signed onto an impactful letter that voiced strong opposition to the bill for a number of reasons.  Likewise, a key letter from Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren was sent to the Governor and all state legislators that matched concerns already expressed from a significant number of other tribal groups.