New Mexico's oil and gas industry plays a large role in the everyday life of New Mexicans by funding essential programs and government spending. This month, Tom Clifford, co-author of NMTRI's Annual Revenue Report on the oil and gas industry, discussed how the industry contributes to the state general fund. And, Missi Currier, President and CEO of NMOGA, authored an op-ed asking state legislators to support the industry and appreciate their significant economic contributions.
NMOGA and our member companies continue to invest in our community. NMOGA recently connected with middle and high school students at Dulce ISD's Career Expo and presented to Leadership Roswell on the industry as a whole and how to participate in our advocacy efforts. Additionally, through Pathways to Success, we're giving away five gift cards for Teacher Appreciation Week in May—teachers, make sure to enter the giveaway before April 27th.
If you don't already follow NMOGA's non-profit, Energizing Our Future NM (EOF), on social media, make sure to check out our pages on Facebook and Instagram. We highlight EOF's non-profit grantee recipients, our partnership with local organizations, and member companies' support for community events and organizations.
For Every New Mexican
New Mexico's oil and gas industry generated $7.5 billion in state general fund revenue last year, equal to 48% of total state general fund revenue.
This money is used to support necessary funding for healthcare programs, including Medicaid, and public education at K-12 and higher education institutions. Residents across the state rely on these programs to stay healthy, educate their children, and gain new skills and knowledge to find high-paying jobs in New Mexico.
Revenues generated by the oil and gas industry benefit all New Mexicans, even those in counties that do not produce.
Find out how much you benefit from oil and gas at ForEveryNewMexican.com.
Enter NMOGA's Teacher Giveaway
NMOGA and Energizing Our Future NM's newest platform, Pathways to Success, is hosting a special teacher giveaway this spring. We're giving away $500 giftcards to five lucky New Mexican teachers to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week.
To enter, you just need to sign up for updates on the Pathways to Success website as a teacher.
The deadline to enter is April 27th.
Giving Back
Dulce Independent School District Career Expo 2026
NMOGA was proud to join the Dulce Independent School District's 2026 Career Expo!
It was a great opportunity to connect with middle and high school students and share resources that will help them explore future careers. We highlighted the Pathways to Success website, which showcases opportunities in oil and gas and skilled trades across New Mexico!
We're excited to support the next generation as they discover rewarding career paths right here in our state.
NMOGA Presentation to Leadership Roswell Class of 2026 in Santa Fe
NMOGA delivered a presentation to the Leadership Roswell Class of 2026 in Santa Fe. Leadership Roswell is the longest-running leadership training program in New Mexico and focuses on preparing current and future leaders to impact the Roswell community positively. The presentation provided an overview of the oil and gas industry, including its economic contributions to the state and local communities, along with guidance on opportunities to engage in advocacy efforts. The discussion supported stronger connections with community leaders and stakeholders interested in New Mexico’s energy future.
Carlsbad Department of Development
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jwkh1-uOgdQ
NMOGA was proud to partner with the Carlsbad Department of Development to highlight workforce development and the industry’s ongoing commitment to Carlsbad and the surrounding communities. This video featured thoughtful insights from team members from various oil and gas companies, helping to support Carlsbad's growth.
Proud to be New Mexican: Now Show Some Respect
By Missi Currier
Santa Fe New Mexican, April 3, 2025
I grew up in Carlsbad. I went away for college, but I came back as quickly as I could. Coming home was always the goal, and I’m proud to be back. I love this state. I love its people, its landscape and its stubborn independence. The oil and gas industry I represent is made up of people just like me: New Mexicans who were born here, who raised families here, who chose to build their lives and livelihoods here.
So, I’ll confess that reading about Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows entertaining the idea of expanding Texas by annexing some New Mexico counties contiguous with the states’ border was surprising. On one hand, I’ll take the compliment. When the speaker of the Texas House looks at southeastern New Mexico counties and says he’d “gladly welcome” them, what he’s really saying is that what we have here is extraordinary.
The Permian Basin is one of the most productive energy regions on the planet. Not to mention the rich agricultural land, dairies and military bases in the region. The work being done in southeastern New Mexico — by New Mexicans, on New Mexican land under New Mexican regulations — matters enormously not just for our state, but for our nation’s energy independence and beyond.
So, thank you, Speaker Burrows, for recognizing the people, strength and potential of rural New Mexico.
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Speaker Javier Martínez both acknowledged the importance of southeastern New Mexico by summarily dismissing Speaker Burrows’ idea. I also appreciate their acknowledgments of the importance of rural New Mexico. The truth is, southeastern New Mexico is not a consolation prize — it is an extraordinary asset, and it belongs to all New Mexicans.
But here’s what I can’t stop thinking about: Why does it take a Texas politician to make a grab for our region to generate this kind of acknowledgment?
The communities of southeastern New Mexico have been sounding this alarm for years — not because they want to leave New Mexico, but because they feel unseen by many in Santa Fe. For years, southeastern New Mexico legislators have filed a similar bill calling for seccession. The bills have not moved in the Roundhouse, but they still make a point that acknowledgment and even appreciation would be welcomed and deserved.
Lea and Eddy counties generate more than half of New Mexico’s general fund revenues, and they receive very little recognition for it. When those communities feel that frustration, we should listen — not dismiss it as partisan posturing.
The oil and gas industry is proud to be here. So are the thousands of New Mexicans who live and work in those counties. Because the industry is here, New Mexico does remarkable things.
This industry funds 49% of state revenue — including $2.4 billion a year for our public schools. Oil and gas production has allowed for billions in long-term investments, funds college and career technical institutions and scholarships, and universal childcare — programs that will change the lives of working families across New Mexico for generations. The industry supports infrastructure improvements, keeps hospitals and schools staffed and allows for state services running in communities throughout the state that often feel left behind.
Oil and gas companies are cutting methane emissions in the Permian Basin while continuing to produce the energy the state and the nation depend on — balancing the economy and the environment.
What we are asking for is something simpler than a change to our statehood: A policy environment that reflects that we are valued partners in New Mexico’s future, not an industry to be managed into obsolescence.
Because here’s the thing about other states noticing what we have: They’re not just noticing energy dominance and economic potential. They’re noticing the regulatory uncertainty. When regulations shift unpredictably, when permits get tied up indefinitely, when the message from policymakers is ambivalent at best, other states are watching and even welcoming.
We don’t want to be in that conversation. We want to be in New Mexico, producing energy responsibly, funding our schools and so much more, employing our neighbors and supporting additional energy systems. That’s the future we’re investing in. That’s the New Mexico we believe in.
I am proud to be a New Mexican, and I know many from southeastern New Mexico who feel the same. The oil and gas industry is proud to operate here. The rest of the country is taking notice of what this region contributes.
We hope New Mexico will do the same.
Register to Vote
Did you know New Mexico allows independent voters to participate in primary elections without changing their voter registration to a major party? This gives New Mexicans another opportunity to participate in the democratic process and make their voice heard!
This year's primary election will be held on June 2nd. If you don't get a chance to register before, New Mexico offers same-day voter registration for eligible voters.
CLICK HERE to check your voter registration today and encourage your friends and family to do the same!
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Thank you,
New Mexico Oil & Gas Association
