This opinion article first ran in the Santa Fe New Mexican on April 3rd.

Proud to be New Mexican: Now show some respect

By Missi Currier

This opinion article first ran in the Los Alamos Daily Post on January 16th. 

Oil And Gas Revenue—The Lifeline Behind New Mexico’s Progress

By Missi Currier

Our state is a special place to live and work. In recent years, we’ve seen opportunities that create multi-generational benefits. The Opportunity Scholarship that has increased New Mexicans’ access to higher education and trade schools. The potential of childcare for all. Even dollars that ensured those on SNAP would not go hungry when the benefits paused. Strengthening the middle class and lifting those out of poverty through affordable, sustainable energy options. Lending a helping hand is something New Mexicans are proud of, and this state can provide that leg up solely because of the oil and gas industry.

This opinion article first ran in the Ruidoso News on October 1st.

The Balloon Fiesta, Community, and the Power of Partnership

By Missi Currier

Every October, the skies over Albuquerque come alive with color, creativity, and joy. The Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque isn’t just a local tradition — it’s a global phenomenon. It’s the most photographed event in the world, a celebration of innovation and imagination that brings together families, tourists, and balloonists from across the globe.

This opinion article first ran in the Carlsbad Current Argus on July 17th. 

New Mexico’s Energy Industry Is Leading the Way on Climate Progress

By Missi Currier

Throughout New Mexico’s oil and gas basins, a transition continues—one that is reshaping the narrative around energy production and environmental stewardship. 

Late last year, analysis from S&P Global Commodity Insights revealed that methane emissions in the Permian Basin have declined so significantly that the reduction is equivalent to the annual carbon emissions avoided by every electric vehicle in the United States. This is not just a milestone—it’s transformation and innovation.

This opinion article first ran in the Ruidoso News on June 19th. 

New Mexico's Oil and Gas Industry Leads on Well Plugging—Let's Keep It That Way

By Missi Currier

When it comes to environmental responsibility, New Mexico’s oil and gas industry is not just stepping up—we’re leading the way.

This opinion article first ran in the Artesia Daily Press on May 13th. 

Short-Sighted Taxation on Oil and Gas 'A Recipe for Disaster'

By Missi Currier

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.

This opinion article first ran in the Las Cruces Sun News on April 5th. 

New Mexico legislators can't have it both ways

By Missi Currier

With the 2025 New Mexico legislative session now behind us, it is crucial to address a growing concern that threatens the economic stability of our state. The recent push to impose higher taxes on the oil and gas industry while simultaneously relying on it to fund essential programs is a contradictory and unsustainable approach. Legislators must recognize that they cannot have it both ways.

The oil and gas industry has been the backbone of New Mexico's economy for decades, contributing nearly half of the state's budget. The industry funds critical programs such as bills like SB48 and SB49, which aim to improve the quality of life for all New Mexicans through $360 million in investment throughout the state, funded by oil and gas revenues. However, introducing new taxes on this industry, as seen in the proposed Oil and Gas Equalization Tax, threatened to undermine its ability to continue providing this vital support.

Higher taxes on the oil and gas industry will inevitably lead to reduced investment, job losses, and stifled economic growth. This, in turn, will diminish the industry's capacity to generate the revenue needed to fund essential programs. It is a short-sighted strategy that jeopardizes the very programs legislators seek to support.

Instead of continually targeting the oil and gas industry for additional revenue, it is time for our legislators to focus and act on diversifying New Mexico's economy. The Economic Development Department's 2025 strategic plan outlines several promising sectors that can drive future growth, including renewable energy, technology, and tourism. By investing in these sectors, we can create a more resilient and diversified economy that is less dependent on a single industry.

Diversification is not just a buzzword; it is a necessity for the long-term prosperity of our state. By fostering growth in new industries, we can create more high-quality jobs, attract new businesses, and ensure an increased revenue stream for essential programs. This approach will not only benefit our economy but also provide a more sustainable future for all New Mexicans. Our state can and should have a multitude of successful industries outside of oil and gas and mining, agriculture, and tourism.

Let me be clear –the oil and gas industry is not holding New Mexico back. New Mexico’s business climate is what continues to hurt our state’s potential to grow.

New Mexico legislators must recognize the importance of the oil and gas industry and the critical role it plays in funding our state's budget. Imposing higher taxes on this industry while expecting it to continue supporting essential programs is a flawed strategy. Instead, we must prioritize economic diversification and a good start would be to invest in the sectors outlined in the Economic Development Department's 2025 strategic plan. By doing so, we can build a stronger, more resilient economy that benefits all New Mexicans.