The New Mexico legislative session began on January 20th, and the oil and gas industry quickly became the target of harsh legislation that would send economic shockwaves throughout the state, raising electricity costs and forcing businesses to move out of state.
The worst of this legislation, Senate Bill 18, was heard on the Senate Floor this afternoon and failed to pass. This is a win for families and businesses across the state, as SB 18 would have increased cost of living expenses while decreasing economic opportunity.
We extend a huge thank you to everyone, including all of the businesses, chambers, associations, trades, communities, and more, who took action in New Mexico. Your voices were instrumental in opposing this harmful legislation. NMOGA is also deeply grateful for the 23 Senators who voted in opposition to SB 18.
In addition to our legislative efforts, NMOGA is proud to highlight our work in education and our support of students and teachers across the state. NMOGA's Energizing Our Future NM non-profit recently launched its Pathways to Success website to support students' future in the energy industry. NMOGA also recognized the important work NM Teacher of the Year, Nancy Orta; NMACTE Teacher of the Year, Hannah VanScotter; and NM Tech do for our state.
Thank you for all you do to support New Mexico energy!
A Conversation with Mayor Linda Calhoun
Did you know that revenues from oil and gas production benefit every community in our state? Linda Calhoun, the mayor of Red River, recently shared how oil and gas revenues are helping to support the community's tourism industry in one of New Mexico's most beautiful mountain towns.
Oil and Gas Revenue—The Lifeline Behind New Mexico's Progress
By Missi Currier
Los Alamos Daily Post, January 16, 2026
Our state is a special place to live and work. In recent years, we’ve seen opportunities that create multi-generational benefits. The Opportunity Scholarship that has increased New Mexicans’ access to higher education and trade schools. The potential of childcare for all. Even dollars that ensured those on SNAP would not go hungry when the benefits paused. Strengthening the middle class and lifting those out of poverty through affordable, sustainable energy options. Lending a helping hand is something New Mexicans are proud of, and this state can provide that leg up solely because of the oil and gas industry.
What would New Mexico look like without oil and gas revenue? No $1.8 billion for public schools. No $745 million for Medicaid. No $550 million for school construction. No $9.6 billion Early Childhood Trust Fund securing our youngest learners’ future. No emergency funds. These numbers aren’t a scare tactic—they’re the reality if we lose the backbone of our economy.
In Fiscal Year 2025, the oil and gas industry generated $13 billion for state and local governments, nearly half of the state’s General Fund. These dollars aren’t abstract—they translate directly into classrooms, hospitals, and family kitchens. Forty-one percent of all operating revenue in New Mexico came from oil and gas. Without it, the lights go out on essential services.
Oil and gas funded $2.4 billion in education spending, including $1.8 billion for K-12 schools and $640 million for higher education. That’s teachers in classrooms, Opportunity Scholarships for college students, and resources for rural schools. In Bernalillo County alone, oil and gas supported $758 million for education. Lea County? $89 million. Without this revenue, you would see massive cuts to our already burdened education system.
Oil and gas revenue covered $745 million of Medicaid, unlocking $2 billion in federal matching funds. That means healthcare for thousands of low-income families. Without oil and gas, those dollars—and that care—disappear.
Oil and gas funded $1.9 billion in capital outlay projects, including $550 million for school construction and renovation. Roads, hospitals, and public safety facilities across the entire state exist because of this revenue.
The Early Childhood Trust Fund—now at $9.6 billion, 90% funded by oil and gas—is a game-changer for generations to come. Without oil and gas, the fund doesn’t exist.
When federal SNAP aid paused this fall, New Mexico stepped in to provide $192 million in state dollars, generated by oil and gas production, to keep families from going hungry. Without oil and gas, thousands of New Mexicans would have faced empty plates.
If lawmakers want to reduce reliance on oil and gas, the answer isn’t cutting the very revenue that funds our schools, healthcare, and food security. The answer is expanding the pie—building a stronger, more diverse economy through real economic development. That means both supporting our current business base and investing in industries that create more high-paying jobs, support added innovation, and attracting businesses that can complement—not replace—the vital role oil and gas plays today.
We are fortunate to live in a state with vast natural resources – wind, solar, precious metals, and oil and gas. Most importantly – our people. Oil and gas is the foundation of our state budget. There is not another industry that can match the revenues that our state has come to enjoy. Without the industry we lose the very resources that are moving us forward. The loss of oil and gas is a loss to every single New Mexican.
Pathways to Success
EOF recently announced the launch of Pathways to Success, a new online resource designed to help students explore rewarding careers in the state's energy sector. Pathways to Success provides the tools, stories, and guidance to set students up for achievement in higher education and meaningful careers in the energy industry.
The platform offers:
- Career Pathways: Detailed information on roles within the energy industry, from engineering and environmental science to skilled trades.
- Education Resources: Links to scholarships, training programs, and degree options tailored to energy careers.
- Industry Insights: Real-world stories and data highlighting the impact of oil and gas on New Mexico’s economy and communities.
Emissions Technician Training
San Juan College is pleased to offer enrollment in the next Emissions Technician training class being held at the School of Energy in Farmington, NM. The training session is scheduled to begin with the ½ class starting on Monday, March 23 at 1pm with three 8-hour sessions on March 24, 25, and 26.
- This training session will be focused on helping participants develop and enhance skills needed to work as Emissions Technicians.
- The training will be a good balance of classroom instruction that includes equipment design and operation basics, various emissions detection tools and resources, as well as hands-on equipment operation and repair.
Click here for more information.
Giving Back
NMOGA Recognized on Senate Floor in Support of New Mexico Educators
On January 29, 2026, NMOGA was recognized on the Senate floor alongside Nancy Orta, the 2026 New Mexico Teacher of the Year, for its support of the Teacher of the Year program. NMOGA then co-hosted a reception with the Public Education Department, honoring Ms. Orta. NMOGA is proud to support teachers across the state who are making a difference in their students' lives.
NMOGA Engages with New Mexico Tech at NM Tech Day
NMOGA attended NM Tech Day at the New Mexico State Capitol, followed by their evening reception, where we had the opportunity to connect with New Mexico Tech leadership. In FY25, New Mexico’s oil and natural gas industry supported more than $25 million at NM Tech—fueling hands‑on research, world‑class education, and the next generation of engineers and scientists.
Celebrating Educational Leadership: Hannah VanScotter Named ACTE Teacher of the Year
Please join us in congratulating Hannah VanScotter on being named the NMACTE (Association for Career and Technical Education) Teacher of the Year.
Hannah teaches at Carlsbad High School and is a former oil and gas geologist who transitioned into education. She developed Carlsbad Municipal Schools’ Oil & Gas / Energy Career Pathway and is widely regarded as a pioneer in oil and gas career and technical education.
Learn more about how NMOGA and the oil and gas industry support Hannah here.
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Thank you,
New Mexico Oil and Gas Association
