As we officially head into the summer months, we're especially grateful to the over 100,000 New Mexicans who power the oil and gas industry in New Mexico! Your work helps keep energy costs low and is the backbone of our state economy. 

This month, we're highlighting the great work NMOGA and our non-profit, Energizing Our Future NM, are doing to support the wonderful nonprofits throughout the state. We feature two of our Energizing Our Future NM grantees, Permian Basin Counseling and Guidance and 100% Chaves County.

We're also happy to share that road fatalities in Southeastern NM were significantly lower in the first quarter of 2025 compared to 2024, thanks in large part to the work of the Permian Road Safety Coalition. 

Although the New Mexico Legislative Session ended in March, NMOGA's work is far from over as we prepare for interim committee work by helping educate legislators on key issues for the oil and gas industry. You can stay up-to-date with these issues by following NMOGA on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.

Energizing Our Future

100% Chaves County

Energizing Our Future NM, a partnership between NMOGA and the American Petroleum Institute, provides support to programs focusing on education, workforce development, hunger, and quality of life for all New Mexicans. This month, we're highlighting an Energizing Our Future grant recipient, 100% Chaves County, and their efforts to ensure everyone in their community has access to essential services. 

100% Chaves County provides crucial resources and services, including food, healthcare, housing security programs, and more, to the community. Their efforts ensure 100% of Chaves County residents are taken care of, and NMOGA is proud to support their work. 

Giving Back

Restoring Land, Rebuilding Lives: The Veteran-Led Mission Behind Desert Forge

With support from NMOGA’s Energizing Our Future Fund, Desert Forge Foundation continues to grow as a powerful model of veteran healing through sustainable agriculture. 

In the quiet heart of the Rio Grande Valley, where rows of grapevines stretch toward the sun and the air smells of earth and promise, something extraordinary is growing—not just wine, but healing, purpose, and community. 

Founded by combat veterans in Albuquerque, the Desert Forge Foundation uses agriculture and land stewardship to help veterans heal from trauma, transition into civilian life, and reconnect through service. Their flagship initiative—the Warrior Farmer Project—empowers veterans to restore neglected land, grow sustainable food systems, and build entrepreneurial skills, all while supporting one another through shared experiences. What started as a small community garden is now a full-scale, veteran-led agricultural effort—and it’s flourishing thanks to partnerships with organizations like NMOGA and Casa Rondeña Winery. Click here to read more.

NMOGA Engages Future Leaders at 97th Annual New Mexico FFA State Convention

NMOGA proudly participated in the 97th Annual New Mexico FFA State Convention held at the Las Cruces Convention Center. This event brought together FFA members, advisors, parents, and supporters from across the state to celebrate achievements and foster leadership within the agricultural community. 

In collaboration with the American Petroleum Institute (API) and Coterra Energy, NMOGA hosted interactive exhibits to engage students in learning about the oil and gas industry. API introduced virtual reality goggles, providing students with an immersive experience in the sector. Coterra and NMOGA organized engaging games related to oil and gas, allowing students to win prizes while gaining insights into the industry's significance. 

NMOGA Joins in Honoring Volunteers at Red Cross Awards

NMOGA attended the American Red Cross Volunteer Recognition Awards, which celebrated the dedicated volunteers leading relief efforts across New Mexico. 

Among the honored were volunteers instrumental in supporting the communities of Ruidoso following the devastating wildfires and those in Roswell who responded to flooding emergencies. Their selfless service and unwavering commitment to helping others exemplify the spirit of community resilience and strength. 

Permian Road Safety Coalition Update

The Permian Road Safety Coalition (PRSC) is a collaborative effort of citizens, agencies, and businesses committed to improving safety on the roadways in West Texas and Southeast New Mexico. 

In Q1 of 2025, there has been a significant 27% decrease in road fatalities in southeast New Mexico compared to Q1 of 2024. This decrease is a testament to the impactful work the coalition is doing to educate law enforcement, companies operating in the Permian Basin, and the public on road safety.

PRSC partners are shaping the future of the world through their commitment to safe, reliable energy production while working equally as hard to make the roadways of West Texas and Southeast New Mexico safer for everyone. NMOGA is proud to be involved with PRSC's efforts and is grateful for the increased safety on our roads.

Honoring Our Veterans: Permian Basin Counseling and Guidance

On Memorial Day, we bestow our deepest gratitude to the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. And we know honoring means more than remembrance: it’s a call to ensure our veterans receive the care, respect, and support they deserve—especially when it comes to mental health.

NMOGA’s Energizing Our Future non-profit is proud to support organizations like Permian Basin Counseling and Guidance, and their work to provide free counseling services to veterans in the Permian Basin and beyond.

Opinion - ABQ Journal

Short-sighted taxation on oil and gas is a recipe for disaster

By Missi Currier

Albuquerque Journal, June 7, 2025

In recent legislative sessions, there has been a push to further tax the oil and gas industry in New Mexico. This approach is not only short-sighted but also detrimental to the state’s economic stability and growth.

The price of oil is notoriously volatile, subject to global market fluctuations and geopolitical tensions. Legislators seem to focus solely on the immediate revenue that can be generated from higher taxes, ignoring the long-term consequences. This myopic view fails to consider the inherent instability of the oil market, which can lead to significant economic disruptions. By not accounting for the cyclical nature of oil prices, policymakers risk creating fiscal policies that are unsustainable in the long run. This approach can result in budget shortfalls during periods of low oil prices, ultimately harming the economy and reducing the effectiveness of public services.

Over the years, New Mexico has developed a more sophisticated approach to managing its oil and gas revenues. By investing in funds designed to smooth out the economic ups and downs, the state has been able to mitigate the impact of price volatility. This strategy is rooted in sound tax policy and progressive philosophies that prioritize long-term stability over short-term gains.

The recent push for the Equalization Act, which aims to impose higher taxes on the oil and gas sector, flies in the face of these established principles. This “fly by night” approach undermines the progress made over years of careful planning and investment. It subjugates the state’s financial health to the whims of the oil market, rather than leveraging well-established financial mechanisms to ensure steady growth.

Further taxing the oil and gas industry in New Mexico is a misguided strategy that overlooks the lessons of the past. Instead of succumbing to the allure of immediate revenue, legislators should focus on maintaining and enhancing the financial structures that have proven effective in stabilizing the state’s economy. Only through thoughtful, long-term planning can New Mexico continue to thrive in the face of global market uncertainties.

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Thank you,
New Mexico Oil & Gas Association