New Mexico senators defend oil and gas amid renewable energy agenda
Carlsbad Current-Argus | Adrian C Hedden | February 7, 2019
Southeastern New Mexico lawmakers continued to defend the oil and gas industry during the ongoing legislative session in Santa Fe, despite the renewable energy agenda presented by newly-elected Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.
In hopes of reminding the Legislature that oil and gas is an essential segment of New Mexico's economy, and must be protected amid increased emphasis on renewables, two state senators introduced Senate Memorial 20, declaring Feb. 6 "Oil and Gas Industry Day."
Read moreBLM makes record-breaking $1 billion from O&G lease sales
WASHINGTON -- The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has announced that 2018 was a record year for oil and natural gas lease sales – generating more than $1 billion – an amount that was nearly equal to the BLM’s budget for Fiscal Year 2018.
“Expanded access for oil and natural gas production through increased lease sales brings tangible benefits – like newly paved roads, upgraded school buildings, and better funded land and water conservation projects – to communities across the nation,” said API’s V.P. of Upstream and Industry Operations Erik Milito. “The shale revolution continues to support the shared goals of leading the world not just in energy production but also in driving economic growth, increasing U.S. energy security and helping to advance climate goals through responsible, innovative production and practices.
Read more
NM killing goose that lays golden eggs
AlbuquerqueJournal | Rep. Montoya | February 10th, 2019
What is the No. 1 source of education and state government funding in New Mexico? What is our No. 1 industry for employment, high-paying jobs and tax revenue? What is the specific source of the current $1.1 billion budget surplus?
If you said that the oil and gas industry is the “Golden Goose,” you would be correct. So why is the governor trying to place natural gas production on the endangered species list?
Since the beginning of the year, we’ve seen the new administration declare war on oil and gas producers, and at the same time propose a 13 percent budget increase. That’s like expecting to win the lottery every year!
Read moreNew Mexico Tax Research Institute State And Local Revenue Impacts Of The Oil And Gas Industry
FISCAL YEAR 2018 UPDATE
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Revenue attributable to the oil and gas industry comprised $2.2 billion in FY18 or 32.3 percent of total State General Fund Recurring revenue. Oil and gas revenue increased by $465 million from FY17, comprising one half of total General Fund recurring revenue growth.
The uses of this revenue as determined through the state budget were as follows:
➢ $822 million of support to public education;
➢ $240 million of support to higher education;
➢ $858 million of spending for other programs funded through the General Fund, including $290 million for health and human services;
➢ $237 million to the revenue surplus, of which a portion was spent on non-recurring purposes and the remainder was added to the State’s reserves which reached a total of 20% of recurring spending.
State Oil and Natural Gas Revenue Reaches Record High of $2.2 Billion In 2018
Revenue Climbs $465 Million from 2017 to 2018
SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO – New Mexico state revenue from oil and natural gas production has reached a record high according to a new analysis from the nonpartisan New Mexico Tax Research Institute. The report shows that New Mexico’s General Fund and public schools benefitted from $2.2 billion in oil and natural gas taxes and revenues in fiscal year 2018, an all-time high and an increase of $465 million from fiscal year 2017.
Read moreU.S. adds nine oil, gas rigs in slight recovery from last week
My San Antonio | Erin Douglas | January 28, 2019
The U.S. added nine oil and gas rigs this week, indicating activity in the nation's shale fields may have slightly recovered after last week saw the biggest drop in total rigs since 2016.
The nation added 10 oil rigs and lost one gas rig, the Houston oilfield services company Baker Hughes reported. Texas, home to 517 oil and gas rigs, lost four this week. New Mexico, which has 112 rigs, led the increase, adding four. In all, there were 1,059 active rigs in the U.S. this week.
Drillers pulled more than 25 oil and gas rigs out of service last week, the biggest drop since the low point of the last oil bust. Losing rigs can be a sign of slowing activity in the nation's shale fields.
Read more