The oil and gas industry is proud to partner with our communities all across the state. In fiscal year 2024, oil and gas tax of more than $279 million went directly to New Mexico public schools. We've talked with teachers about how the oil and gas industry is making an impact in the classroom, in addition to the tax revenue dollars.

Katie Jo Castaneda is a 3rd-grade math teacher at Cottonwood Elementary School. As a Carlsbad native and a mom raising her son in the same city she grew up in, Katie has seen the immense impact the oil and gas industry has on the community. Thanks to the oil and gas industry, Cottonwood Elementary recently opened a STEM lab that allows students to build knowledge and set themselves up for success. The oil and gas industry has provided so many opportunities for students and teachers who otherwise might not have these resources and support. 

Celebrating Women in Industry

March was Women's History Month, and NMOGA is incredibly proud to work with all the women throughout the industry who make a difference day in and day out. Women are a huge part of the oil and gas industry, and we're grateful and proud of their essential contributions.

Giving Back

Bringing the Permian Basin to Life: EOF New Mexico's Storytelling Journey 

NMOGA staff hit the road across the Permian Basin for a community engagement trip that reminded us just how deeply oil and gas are woven into the lives and futures of New Mexicans. From Roswell to Hobbs to Artesia, our team gathered voices, filmed interviews, and captured programs made possible through NMOGA’s new 501(c)(3) foundation, Energizing Our Future New Mexico (EOF NM). The trip was a celebration of how this industry shows up beyond the well pad: in classrooms, in counseling centers, in town squares. 

This journey through the Permian Basin wasn’t just about capturing content—it was about capturing truth. Everywhere we went, we heard the same message: people in the Permian are proud of oil and gas. They feel grateful for the jobs, safety, opportunity, and sense of purpose the industry provides. From preventing trafficking to feeding families, teaching trades to healing trauma—oil and gas is making a difference. 

We’re excited to begin sharing this powerful footage and the stories behind it. 

A special thank you to those in education who made this trip possible and meaningful: Kristy Hughes, Community Relations at CTECH; Steve Sauceda, Vice President of Workforce Development at New Mexico Junior College; and Halee Golf, Principal of Artesia High School. Your leadership and collaboration with NMOGA are helping shape the next generation of energy professionals. And heartfelt thanks to all of EOF NM’s grant recipients whose tireless work continues to uplift the communities of the Permian Basin. 

A Special Thank You from Navajo Preparatory School’s Winning STEM Team

Navajo Preparatory School, located in Farmington, New Mexico was selected by NMOGA as a winner of the 2025 Governor’s STEM Challenge, and they sent us a heartfelt letter of appreciation—addressed to you, our valued members.

In their letter, the students specifically thanked NMOGA and its member companies for supporting STEM education and creating opportunities for young innovators across New Mexico. Your ongoing commitment makes a lasting impact, helping to shape the next generation of leaders, problem solvers, and visionaries.

To read the full letter from Navajo Preparatory School’s STEM team, click below:

👉 Read the Thank You Letter

Thank you for your continued dedication to New Mexico’s students!

Meeting with New Mexico State Teacher of the Year Organization

Since 1958, New Mexico has honored outstanding educators through the state Teacher of the Year (NMSTOY) program, recognizing exceptional teacher leaders who contribute significantly to the quality of education in their schools and communities. NMSTOY’s mission emphasizes involving teachers in decisions around educational policy, advocacy, and classroom practices—aligning closely with NMOGA’s commitment to supporting educators and strengthening New Mexico’s future.

In a recent meeting with NMSTOY, leadership expressed their appreciation for NMOGA’s continued partnership and highlighted how much they look forward to collaborating even more closely in the year ahead to further uplift and celebrate New Mexico’s outstanding teachers.

To learn more about NMSTOY and their initiatives, visit nmstoy.com.

Meeting with the American Red Cross of New Mexico

Also this week, NMOGA had the opportunity to meet with the Executive Director and team from the American Red Cross of New Mexico. They provided an insightful presentation on the state’s current preparedness efforts for unexpected natural disasters, as well as the wide range of essential services they deliver across New Mexico.

The team highlighted recent events—including the wildfires in Ruidoso and flooding in Roswell—as examples of the challenges our communities face and the critical response efforts underway. They also took a moment to thank New Mexico’s oil and gas industry for being strong and consistent partners over the years.

It was a valuable discussion and a powerful reminder of the important work being done every day to keep New Mexico’s communities safe, prepared, and supported.

Energizing Our Future Foundation Grant Update: Storehouse New Mexico

Storehouse New Mexico, in Albuquerque, is one of our 2024 Energizing our Future, NMOGA’s 501(c)(3), grant recipients. The Storehouse is putting grant dollars to meaningful use through the expansion of their food distribution efforts, allowing them to provide more fresh produce, proteins, and essential groceries to meet the increasing demand at their pantry. Additionally, the grant has supported improvements in their operations, ensuring food reaches individuals and families quickly, efficiently, and with dignity.

We are proud to invest in organizations like Storehouse New Mexico that are making a real difference in the lives of New Mexicans. Beyond sharing their progress with us, The Storehouse has also invited NMOGA member companies to participate in their upcoming Hot Rods for Hunger event—a fun, community-centered opportunity to get involved and support their mission.

Hoops 4 Hope: Supporting a Great Cause, Wind or Shine

NMOGA is proud to support Hoops 4 Hope, an annual basketball showdown between the New Mexico State Senate and House of Representatives, benefiting cancer patients and research at UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center. We joined last year and hoped to continue making it a tradition— to cheer, film highlights, and put together a recap video celebrating the game and its impact.

Unfortunately, this year’s game was canceled due to high winds and potential wildfire risk. While we will not get to share the action-packed moments (or the playful trash talk we captured from Lieutenant Governor Howie Morales and Representative Harlan Vincent!), our commitment to this cause remains strong.
We look forward to participating again next year. In the meantime, if you would like to support Hoops 4 Hope and the dollars they missed out on because of the canceled event, you can donate here.

Social Media

Legislative Update

The 2025 New Mexico Legislative Session came to a close on Saturday, March 22, after 60 busy days at the Roundhouse. The oil and gas industry was targeted by many bills that would crush the industry and devastate the state economy. 

With the help of NMOGA members and supporters taking action, emailing, and calling members of the legislature, the industry was successful in killing the worst of this legislation.

Thank you to everyone who contacted their legislators this year, opposing harmful bills and advocating for common-sense energy legislation. 

Thank you,
New Mexico Oil & Gas Association