The New Mexico legislative session ended on February 19th, and the oil and gas industry finished with a huge win for responsible oil and gas production and environmental stewardship with the passage of HB 80. This bill directs additional oil and gas tax dollars toward cleaning up abandoned wells and protecting our land, air, and water for future generations. It passed the House and Senate unanimously, with support from both sides of the aisle, because the case for it is simply that strong.
Thank you to Representative Mark Murphy and Representative Debra Sarinana and their co-sponsors for their leadership and to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham for signing the bill into law on Monday, and everyone in the industry and across the state who advocated in favor of this legislation. We'd also like to thank Reps. Jonathan Henry, Elaine Sena Cortez, Mark Duncan, Jimmy Mason, Joseph Sanchez, and Meredith Dixon, and Senator George Munoz for their diligence and support on the bill.
We now turn our sights to the June primary election, where voters will decide whose names are on the ballot in November. We encourage everyone to check their voter registration status to ensure their voice is heard.
This month, NMOGA is highlighting the impact that the oil and gas industry has on communities across the state. We share the economic impact in our new For Every New Mexican video series, the high-demand job opportunities supported through CTE programs, and the philanthropic impact our member companies have on local organizations. We're proud to feature collaborations with CTECH, Jal Public Schools, Bloomfield High School, Lovington High School, New Mexico's Teacher of the Year, and the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center.
For Every New Mexican
Last year, the oil and gas industry generated more than $13 billion in state and local revenue and supported over 100,000 jobs.
Tax revenue generated by the industry funds essential services residents use every day, including $680 million to public schools, $532 million for local infrastructure, and $1.2 billion for healthcare.
The oil and gas industry brings revenue and economic benefits to you, no matter where you are and even if your county doesn't produce. Find out how much you benefit from oil and gas at ForEveryNewMexican.com.
See how oil and gas work for you!
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, and you must be registered to vote at least 28 days prior. If you don't get a chance to register before, New Mexico does have 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!
CTECH - Empowering Student Success
NMOGA sat down with CTECH staff to discuss energizing students' futures. CTECH is a Career and Technical Education Center at Hobbs Municipal Schools that offers inspiring, hands-on career pathways, combining rigorous coursework with project-based learning in a collaborative setting for students seeking a deep understanding and active participation in high-demand professions.
Thank you to the teachers and professionals at CTECH who are helping to create the foundation for the state's future workforce!
Enter NMOGA Giveaways
NMOGA and Energizing Our Future NM's new platform, Pathways to Success, is hosting two awesome giveaways this year for teachers and students. To enter, you just need to sign up for updates on the Pathways to Success website.
We're giving five teachers a $500 gift card to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week!
The deadline to enter is April 27th.
We're giving one hard-working student an incredible back-to-school prize pack that includes:
📱 An iPad
⌨️ A keyboard
✏️ Full school supplies
🍕 A pizza party for their classroom!
The deadline to enter is August 15th.
Giving Back
New Mexico Teacher of the Year Engages Families Locally and Represents NM Nationally
NMOGA sponsors New Mexico's Teacher of the Year and supports his or her work engaging students, families, and communities statewide. This year's honoree, Nancy Orta, hosted a family engagement event in partnership with Las Cruces Public Schools before attending a national convening — giving parents practical tools to support their children's education and introducing them to NMOGA's new workforce development resource, Pathways to Success, which helps students and families explore career opportunities in New Mexico's energy industry.
Ms. Orta then joined State Teachers of the Year from across the country at a national convening co-hosted by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) and Google for Education at Google's California headquarters. The New Mexico Public Education Department also attended and continues to partner with NMOGA on elevating Ms. Orta's story and impact. Her leadership is deepening the connection between education, families, and career pathways for students across New Mexico.
Jal Public Schools Celebrates Opening of High School Oil and Gas Building
Jal High School hosted the grand opening of the new Oil & Gas Building, the culmination of a several-year planning and construction process. The Oil & Gas Prep Program at JHS is designed to eventually offer a four-year training program for high school students interested in pursuing careers in the oil & gas industry.
The school district formed a committee of industry partners to gather insights into what local oil & gas companies were seeking in new employees. This committee includes industry partners such as Coterra, Conoco-Phillips, Devon Energy, Mewbourne Oil, Clay Treadaway, and Rachael Overbey, formerly of Franklin Mountain.
NMOGA’s Ultimate Backpack Giveaway at Bloomfield High School
NMOGA continued its Ultimate Backpack Giveaway initiative with a recent prize delivery at Bloomfield High School, celebrating student achievement and strengthening connections with local school leadership in the San Juan Basin. The visit was especially meaningful with the participation of Andrea Felix, NMOGA’s Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and a graduate of Bloomfield High School, who attended the presentation and had the opportunity to reconnect with the school community.
Thank you to the Bloomfield School District Board members and the school district's superintendent, Lynda Spencer, for participating in the giveaway!
Coterra Energy Student Engagement Event at New Mexico Junior College
NMOGA joined member company Coterra Energy for its annual student engagement event with Lovington High School at New Mexico Junior College (NMJC).
Students were accompanied by their teacher, Association for Career and Technical Education National New Teacher of the Year Paden Hagler, whose leadership continues to advance high-quality career and technical education opportunities for students in Southeast New Mexico. During the visit, students rotated through a series of immersive, hands-on experiences showcasing post-secondary pathways connected to the oil and gas industry.
NMOGA Sponsors Hoops for Hope in Support of Cancer Care & Research
NMOGA proudly sponsored Hoops for Hope, a community fundraising basketball game benefiting cancer care and research through the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center. The annual matchup between New Mexico State legislators brought together leaders from across the state to rally around a meaningful cause. NMOGA was honored to stand alongside policymakers and community partners in support of critical health initiatives and New Mexico communities.
Artesia Chamber Celebrates 100 Years
Congratulations on 100 years of leadership and service from the Artesia Chamber of Commerce!
The chamber has been a driving force for economic growth, community connection, and business success in Artesia and across Southeast New Mexico. We're grateful for their commitment to strengthening New Mexico and advancing the oil and gas industry that powers our state and local economies. Here's to the next 100 years!
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Thank you,
New Mexico Oil & Gas Association
