This opinion article first ran in the Ruidoso News on October 1st.

The Balloon Fiesta, Community, and the Power of Partnership

By Missi Currier

Every October, the skies over Albuquerque come alive with color, creativity, and joy. The Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque isn’t just a local tradition — it’s a global phenomenon. It’s the most photographed event in the world, a celebration of innovation and imagination that brings together families, tourists, and balloonists from across the globe.

September was a big month for education in New Mexico and at NMOGA! The New Mexico Department of Public Education announced Ms. Nancy Orta as their 2026 New Mexico Teacher of the Year. NMOGA is proud to sponsor the program and support professional development opportunities for her over the next year. Congratulations to Ms. Orta and all of the finalists!

NMOGA continued our support for Career Technical Education (CTE) by sponsoring the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce's Education Matters Luncheon and hosting an interactive STEM virtual reality booth at the New Mexico State Fair, brought to you by Chevron.

If you don't already follow NMOGA on social media, make sure to check out our pages on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn. In addition to sharing how the oil and gas industry strengthens education and other state programs, we highlight the important role our industry plays in the economy and show how our member companies are supporting innovation to be the best environmental stewards possible.

School is back in session, and we've been focusing on all the ways the oil and gas industry powers education in New Mexico. In 2024, the oil and gas industry provided $2.3 billion through tax revenue to support New Mexico public schools and championed many educational initiatives throughout the state. Additionally, oil and gas products are used in many essential school supplies and for transportation and power. 

If you haven't already, we encourage everyone to enter your student in the Ultimate Backpack Giveaway before the September 19th deadline! More information below. 

This month, we are excited to highlight the important work NMOGA's non-profit, Energizing Our Future (EOF) foundation, and our member companies are doing in New Mexico. This month, we highlight work with Central New Mexico Community College, Teach Plus New Mexico, Girls Inc. of Santa Fe, Roswell Desk and Derrick Club, and Albuquerque Public Schools. 

This opinion article first ran in the Santa Fe New Mexican  on September 1st.

Oil Supports Students from Backpack to Bus Ride

By Missi Currier

Welcome back to school, New Mexico! With families getting back to their school routines, the usual checklist comes out: notebooks, pencils, backpacks, lunchboxes. As we stock up on school supplies, it’s easy to overlook the science and energy behind the scenes. From powering classrooms to producing the materials we rely on, oil and gas quietly support nearly every aspect of our educational system—making schools more accessible, comfortable, and functional for students and teachers alike.

“In 4th grade, Mrs. Rodriguez asked us to write an essay about whether children should watch TV. Most of my classmates wrote against it, but I argued the benefits — news, weather, even entertainment. Mrs. Rodriguez was proud of me for standing alone. That moment has stayed with me and continues to shape my work. Oftentimes, I stand up against other adults on issues related to education, not because it is easy, but because it is right… for kids.”

Those words from Hope Morales, Executive Director of Teach Plus New Mexico, set the tone for the recent Economic Mobility Summit, where educators, policymakers, and industry leaders came together to chart new pathways for student success.

With school just around the corner, NMOGA is celebrating education by giving five lucky students a special prize pack and a pizza party for their class. We encourage everyone to enter the Ultimate Backpack Giveaway before the September 19th deadline. 

We are also excited to highlight the incredible work of our Energizing Our Future (EOF) foundation. EOF was honored to work with legislators throughout the state, New Mexico United, Albuquerque Public Schools, RioTECH, and the New Mexico Society of Association Executives to support student success. NMOGA and our members also led discussions on AI and economic development and collaborated to build meaningful partnerships in July.

If you don't already follow NMOGA on social media, make sure to check out our pages on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn. In addition to highlighting the important role our industry plays in the economy, we share how our member companies are supporting environmentally-friendly innovation and contributing significantly to everyday life in New Mexico.

NMOGA and Energizing our Future, NMOGA’s 501c3, partnered with Speaker of the House Javier Martínez and New Mexico United soccer to host a high-energy clinic for more than 40 youth involved in the Albuquerque Public Schools’ McKinney Vento Program, a program offering services and support for children, youth, and their families who experience homelessness.  

Speaker Martínez kicked off the event with a warm welcome and helped run soccer drills with United players. NMOGA and the Speaker were joined by APS Superintendent Gabriella Blakey, who helped hand out NMOGA-branded United shirts to the kids as they arrived. 

The New Mexico Oil and Gas Association (NMOGA) is proud of our membership’s commitment to environmental stewardship and significant economic impact in the state. As a result of the development of new methane regulations and the adoption of advanced technologies, methane emissions from New Mexico’s oil and gas industry decreased by 26% in 2023.

Flogistix by Flowco is a great example of how NMOGA member companies are developing innovative, environmentally friendly technologies in response to evolving regulatory conditions and market demand.

This opinion article first ran in the Carlsbad Current Argus on July 17th. 

New Mexico’s Energy Industry Is Leading the Way on Climate Progress

By Missi Currier

Throughout New Mexico’s oil and gas basins, a transition continues—one that is reshaping the narrative around energy production and environmental stewardship. 

Late last year, analysis from S&P Global Commodity Insights revealed that methane emissions in the Permian Basin have declined so significantly that the reduction is equivalent to the annual carbon emissions avoided by every electric vehicle in the United States. This is not just a milestone—it’s transformation and innovation.

Our hearts are with the Village of Ruidoso following yesterday’s deadly flooding with more rain forecasted in the coming days. The burn scar hasn’t healed from last year’s fires, causing devastating flooding during monsoon season. 

Please consider a donation to the Community Foundation of Lincoln County. 

We believe in and continue to support all communities that are suffering loss, including those affected by recent fires in NM and flooding in Kerr County, Texas. 

All donations are coordinated and distributed locally. Thank you for your consideration and support. 

This month, we're highlighting the amazing work NMOGA's non-profit, Energizing Our Future NM, and our member companies have been doing in the community to support education in partnership with Explora, the NM Civics Bee, and the Teach Plus New Mexico Economic Mobility Summit. NMOGA and our members also supported Storehouse NM and the National Institute of Flamenco. 

NMOGA is also encouraging all New Mexicans to check their voter registration status. With recent changes to primary election rules, there are more opportunities to make your voice heard!

This opinion article first ran in the Ruidoso News on June 19th. 

New Mexico's Oil and Gas Industry Leads on Well Plugging—Let's Keep It That Way

By Missi Currier

When it comes to environmental responsibility, New Mexico’s oil and gas industry is not just stepping up—we’re leading the way.

NMOGA an advocate for Lea County's oil and gas industry

By Denise Marquez
Hobbs News-Sun, June 10, 2025

During the eighth annual EnergyPlex Conference, attendees got the lowdown on the impact of the oil and gas industry throughout New Mexico and the efforts the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association puts in on educating state residents who are not too fond of the oil patch business.

Missi Currier, NMOGA chief executive officer and president, spoke Tuesday during the annual conference at the Lea County Event Center in Hobbs. Currier shared how NMOGA staff work throughout the state to “champion and push forward the oil and gas industry.”

As we officially head into the summer months, we're especially grateful to the over 100,000 New Mexicans who power the oil and gas industry in New Mexico! Your work helps keep energy costs low and is the backbone of our state economy. 

This month, we're highlighting the great work NMOGA and our non-profit, Energizing Our Future NM, are doing to support the wonderful nonprofits throughout the state. We feature two of our Energizing Our Future NM grantees, Permian Basin Counseling and Guidance and 100% Chaves County.

We're also happy to share that road fatalities in Southeastern NM were significantly lower in the first quarter of 2025 compared to 2024, thanks in large part to the work of the Permian Road Safety Coalition. 

Although the New Mexico Legislative Session ended in March, NMOGA's work is far from over as we prepare for interim committee work by helping educate legislators on key issues for the oil and gas industry. You can stay up-to-date with these issues by following NMOGA on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.

This Memorial Day, we bestow our deepest gratitude to the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. And we know honoring means more than remembrance: it’s a call to ensure our veterans receive the care, respect, and support they deserve—especially when it comes to mental health.

NMOGA’s Energizing Our Future non-profit is proud to support organizations like Permian Basin Counseling and Guidance, and their work to provide free counseling services to veterans in The Permian Basin and beyond.

On this Memorial Day and always, may we remember and honor our fallen heroes. 

With support from NMOGA’s Energizing Our Future Fund, Desert Forge Foundation continues to grow as a powerful model of veteran healing through sustainable agriculture. 

In the quiet heart of the Rio Grande Valley, where rows of grapevines stretch toward the sun and the air smells of earth and promise, something extraordinary is growing—not just wine, but healing, purpose, and community. 

Founded by combat veterans in Albuquerque, the Desert Forge Foundation uses agriculture and land stewardship to help veterans heal from trauma, transition into civilian life, and reconnect through service. Their flagship initiative—the Warrior Farmer Project—empowers veterans to restore neglected land, grow sustainable food systems, and build entrepreneurial skills, all while supporting one another through shared experiences. What started as a small community garden is now a full-scale, veteran-led agricultural effort—and it’s flourishing thanks to partnerships with organizations like NMOGA and Casa Rondeña Winery. 

100% Chaves County provides crucial resources and services, including food, healthcare, housing security programs, and more, to the community. Their efforts ensure 100% of Chaves County residents are taken care of, and NMOGA is proud to support their work. 

This opinion article first ran in the Artesia Daily Press on May 13th. 

Short-Sighted Taxation on Oil and Gas 'A Recipe for Disaster'

By Missi Currier

In recent legislative sessions, there has been a push to further tax the oil and gas industry in New Mexico. This approach is not only short-sighted but also detrimental to the state’s economic stability and growth.

The price of oil is notoriously volatile, subject to global market fluctuations and geopolitical tensions. Legislators seem to focus solely on the immediate revenue that can be generated from higher taxes, ignoring the long-term consequences. This myopic view fails to consider the inherent instability of the oil market, which can lead to significant economic disruptions. By not accounting for the cyclical nature of oil prices, policymakers risk creating fiscal policies that are unsustainable in the long run. This approach can result in budget shortfalls during periods of low oil prices, ultimately harming the economy and reducing the effectiveness of public services.

Over the years, New Mexico has developed a more sophisticated approach to managing its oil and gas revenues. By investing in funds designed to smooth out the economic ups and downs, the state has been able to mitigate the impact of price volatility. This strategy is rooted in sound tax policy and progressive philosophies that prioritize long-term stability over short-term gains.

The recent push for the Equalization Act, which aims to impose higher taxes on the oil and gas sector, flies in the face of these established principles. This “fly by night” approach undermines the progress made over years of careful planning and investment. It subjugates the state’s financial health to the whims of the oil market, rather than leveraging well-established financial mechanisms to ensure steady growth.

Further taxing the oil and gas industry in New Mexico is a misguided strategy that overlooks the lessons of the past. Instead of succumbing to the allure of immediate revenue, legislators should focus on maintaining and enhancing the financial structures that have proven effective in stabilizing the state’s economy. Only through thoughtful, long-term planning can New Mexico continue to thrive in the face of global market uncertainties.

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week from NMOGA! Educators are the backbone of our state, and we are grateful for the dedication, patience, and love New Mexico teachers give to our students. 

From career readiness to students in need, NMOGA and our member companies are energizing education and supporting the invaluable work of our state's teachers.  

If you don't already follow NMOGA on social media, make sure to check out our pages on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn. In addition to sharing how the oil and gas industry strengthens education and other state programs, we highlight the important role our industry plays in the economy and show how our member companies are supporting innovation to be the best environmental stewards possible.

Teachers Energize New Mexico! It’s Teacher Appreciation Week, and NMOGA is grateful for the dedication, patience, and love New Mexico teachers give to our students!

On May 3, 2025, the New Mexico Oil & Gas Association (NMOGA) proudly participated in the Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails’ Mad Science Extravaganza — a free, hands-on STEM event held at the Berna Facio Professional Development Center in Albuquerque. The event brought together Girl Scouts from across the state to explore science, spark curiosity, and build confidence through interactive learning. 

NMOGA led three engaging, age-appropriate science experiments that connected energy concepts to real-world oil and gas applications — all while promoting creativity, innovation, and environmental awareness.