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!
Opinion - Ruidoso
New Mexico’s Oil and Gas Industry Leads on Well Plugging—Let’s Keep It That Way
By Missi Currier
Ruidoso News, June 19, 2025
When it comes to environmental responsibility, New Mexico’s oil and gas industry is not just stepping up—we’re leading the way.
In recent years, oil and gas operators plugged over 90% of the wells decommissioned in the state. That’s 451 wells plugged by industry, compared to just 49 plugged by the Oil Conservation Division (OCD). For every well plugged using public funds, the oil and gas industry independently plugs ten more—without fanfare, and without burdening New Mexico taxpayers.
Let’s be clear: only tax dollars paid by the oil and gas industry are used to plug orphaned wells in New Mexico. Not a single cent comes from the pockets of New Mexico families. The millions spent by OCD to plug wells came directly from the Reclamation Fund—funded entirely by industry-paid taxes.
Of the 68,516 active wells in New Mexico, approximately 34,000 are State and Fee wells. Among those, just 349 are classified as orphaned—a remarkably low orphan rate of about 1%. This is a testament to the industry’s commitment to responsible operations and long-term stewardship. However, we know that 1% is still too many, and the industry is committed to continuing our work with OCD to ensure the reduction of that number.
Yet, despite this strong track record, we face a critical challenge: ensuring that the funds dedicated to well-plugging are used for that purpose. In 2022, the Reclamation Fund held $21 million. By November 2024, that balance had grown to approximately $66 million, thanks to increased federal support and continued contributions from the Conservation Tax directly from industry.
But these funds are only effective if they’re deployed efficiently. Delays in procurement and administrative bottlenecks risk not only slowing progress but also jeopardizing future funding. New Mexico’s leadership must prioritize using these dollars as intended—on well plugging and site remediation—not diverting them to unrelated initiatives.
The oil and gas industry supports modernizing the Reclamation Fund to ensure it remains a sustainable, efficient tool for environmental protection. That means streamlining procurement, reducing administrative burdens, and preserving the fund’s integrity for its intended purpose. The oil and gas industry is proud to carry the responsibility of plugging and remediating wells. During a well’s lifetime, it provides energy for the world and contributes to our state’s economy. At the end of its cycle, the land is returned to its native state. It’s a responsibility we take seriously—and one we’re already fulfilling. Let’s work together to ensure that the systems in place support this important work, now and for generations to come.
Giving Back
NMOGA Tours Explora with State Rep. Nicole Chavez
NMOGA staff had the opportunity to join State Representative Nicole Chavez for a behind-the-scenes tour of Explora, New Mexico’s leading center for hands-on STEM education and family engagement.
The visit offered a closer look at Explora’s early childhood programs, teen workforce readiness efforts, and statewide outreach designed to expand access to STEM experiences in rural and underserved communities. Thank you to Rep. Chavez for her continued leadership in STEM equity.
Bridging Education and Industry at the Economic Mobility Summit
NMOGA was proud to sponsor and participate in the Teach Plus New Mexico Economic Mobility Summit alongside our member companies Coterra and Pioneer Bank!
This event at the Career and Technical Education Center of Hobbs (CTECH) brought together education, workforce, and industry leaders to discuss ways to bridge education and industry for economic growth.
Students shared their experiences, needs, and dreams in a panel that set up meaningful conversations about pathways to economic mobility. Later in the day, Coterra and Pioneer Bank participated in the Business Partners' Panel, sharing insights on workforce needs and emerging career opportunities.
NMOGA partnered with the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce to sponsor NM's Civics Bee!
It was a wonderful event in Albuquerque with students from across the state showcasing their civic knowledge. Thank you to the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce for joining us in support of the event. Congratulations to our top 5 winners:
- Keith Lee (Albuquerque)
- Sheryl Lee (Albuquerque)
- Ben Tran (Hobbs)
- Samara Gonzalez (Carlsbad)
- Alyssa Rocha Houston (Hobbs)
Keith will represent New Mexico at the National Civics Bee Championships in Washington, DC this November. We’re so proud of all the students and grateful to everyone who participated and supported this fantastic event!
Chevron Supports Flamenco Festival, Lieutenant Governor Highlights Industry's Role
NMOGA was honored to attend a reception and performance hosted as part of the Festival Flamenco Albuquerque, where Chevron was recognized for its partnership with the National Institute of Flamenco in supporting this internationally acclaimed celebration of art and culture.
During the grand opening performance of the Flamenco Festival, Lieutenant Governor Howie Morales addressed the broader Albuquerque community, thanking the company and the wider oil and gas industry for their ongoing contributions to New Mexico’s cultural, educational, and economic vitality.
Chevron’s commitment to New Mexico’s youth, arts, and workforce aligns strongly with the mission of Energizing Our Future New Mexico, and we commend both Chevron and the Institute of Flamenco for their leadership and impact.
NMOGA Supports Hot Rods for Hunger in Albuquerque
NMOGA was proud to support the Hot Rods for Hunger event in Albuquerque in partnership with Storehouse New Mexico, an Energizing Our Future (EOF) grant recipient helping to fight food insecurity by providing groceries free of charge to families in need. The show took place in the Albertsons Market parking lot at Eubank & Candelaria and featured a stunning lineup of hot rods and classic cars. Thank you to everyone who joined us and made it a success!
Register to Vote
Voting in primary and general elections is a right and responsibility. New Mexico will now allow independent voters to participate in primary elections without changing their voter registration to a major party, giving New Mexicans another opportunity to participate in the democratic process and make their voice heard.
CLICK HERE to check your voter registration today!
Social Media
Thank you,
New Mexico Oil & Gas Association
