New Mexico's oil and gas industry plays a large role in the everyday life of New Mexicans by funding essential programs and government spending. This month, Tom Clifford, co-author of NMTRI's Annual Revenue Report on the oil and gas industry, discussed how the industry contributes to the state general fund. And, Missi Currier, President and CEO of NMOGA, authored an op-ed asking state legislators to support the industry and appreciate their significant economic contributions. 

NMOGA and our member companies continue to invest in our community. NMOGA recently connected with middle and high school students at Dulce ISD's Career Expo and presented to Leadership Roswell on the industry as a whole and how to participate in our advocacy efforts. Additionally, through Pathways to Success, we're giving away five gift cards for Teacher Appreciation Week in May—teachers, make sure to enter the giveaway before April 27th.

If you don't already follow NMOGA's non-profit, Energizing Our Future NM (EOF), on social media, make sure to check out our pages on Facebook and Instagram. We highlight EOF's non-profit grantee recipients, our partnership with local organizations, and member companies' support for community events and organizations.

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.

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!