This letter from the Mayor first appeared in the Carlsbad Current Argus on October 3, 2024

We are gearing up for an exciting and informative event—our Carlsbad Mayor’s Energy Summit on October 17th. This will be my first summit as Mayor, and I look forward to discussing the future of energy in our region. The agenda includes three informative panels, a presentation on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), an update from Missi Currier, CEO and President of New Mexico Oil & Gas Association (NMOGA), and introductions from up-and-coming companies like Permian Resources and Aris Water. Sarah Thomas, the first female NFL official, will be our special guest speaker, sharing her experiences and insights on breaking barriers and leadership.

We are also thrilled to honor the Spirit of the Workforce Award recipients at the summit. I encourage you to submit your nominations on the summit website before the September 30th deadline.

Please join us for the 100-year celebration of oil and gas in New Mexico as we discuss the energy industry’s impact on our community over those years and its future. For more information regarding the summit or to register online, visit www.carlsbadenergysummit.com to reserve your spot.

In other news, we are continuing to make improvements throughout the city. The Carlsbad Riverwalk Recreation Center will remain closed through mid-November as part of ongoing enhancement efforts. These upgrades will benefit all of us in the long term, and we appreciate your patience as we complete these projects. We’ll keep the public informed and provide updates as often as possible.

I’m also pleased to announce that the much-anticipated Lake Carlsbad Golf Course irrigation project will begin in late September or early October. This project is vital to ensuring the longevity and quality of one of our most beloved outdoor spaces.

Finally, I would like to congratulate President Andrew Beardmore and the Southeast New Mexico College staff for their outstanding achievement in being ranked 5th in the nation for top community colleges. This recognition is a testament to their hard work and dedication to providing excellent educational opportunities. There are many more projects and goals to be accomplished in the future, and we are excited about what lies ahead.

We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with SENMC to expand post-secondary education for our community.

Rick Lopez is the current Mayor of Carlsbad and he is the former Chief of the Carlsbad Fire Department.