State of New Mexico secondary Archives: on Energy & Oil
Allen Weh:
Explore every potential energy source, including oil & gas
New Mexico is an energy state. It has enormous reserves of oil, natural gas, uranium, and coal that are supplemented by the wind and the sun. These are vast resources benefiting New Mexico and the rest of the US as a whole.I fully support exploring
every potential energy source that will make America less dependent on foreign oil, create jobs, and is compatible with our environment. But not subsidizing them with taxpayer dollars. These for-profit businesses need to grow on their own merits and in
open competition in the free market.
Some forms of "green" energy show promise, but until they are in greater demand by the American public and the free market, we should not be trying to force or coerce Americans to rely on them. Furthermore, we
should not be pursuing policies that punish a particular sector of the economy, such as oil and gas, just because it is robust, or because we want to drive costs up in order to force Americans to embrace something that is not yet commercially viable.
Source: 2014 New Mexico Senate campaign website, AllenWeh.com
Sep 1, 2014
Ben Ray Lujan:
Invest in and expand renewable energy projects
Our energy sector is a major driver of economic opportunities in New Mexico. We must aggressively invest in an energy sector that expands renewable energy projects. We have an opportunity to lead the country in renewable
energy production and hire thousands of New Mexicans in the process. This is not an investment we can afford not to make in our state.
Source: 2020 New Mexico Senate campaign website BenRayLujan .com
Jul 8, 2020
Ben Ray Lujan:
Highest-ranking co-sponsor of the Green New Deal
Highest-ranking co-sponsor of the Green New Deal--a bold effort to transition the United States to a clean energy future, take decisive actions to combat the climate crisis, and promote environmental justice. Championed the Clean Energy Standard Act,
legislation that will put the United States on a path toward net-zero emissions by the 2050s, increase the production of renewable resources by more than 25 percentage points, and prevent 30,000 premature deaths from air pollution in the U.S.
Source: 2020 New Mexico Senate campaign website BenRayLujan .com
Jul 8, 2020
Bill Richardson:
$6M for energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies
I am forming a Solar Power Task Force to identify a commercial-scale solar power project by the end of the year that would be under construction by 2006. The rewards can be substantial, in high-wage jobs and economic development. I am also proposing a
$6 million capital projects package dedicated to incorporating energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies at state facilities and public schools throughout New Mexico. This will save taxpayers and school districts money by reducing energy costs.
Source: 2004 State of the State speech to the New Mexico Legislature
Jan 20, 2004
Bill Richardson:
Green Jobs Cabinet: lead renewable energy export
In last year's State of the State, I announced the creation of the Green Jobs Cabinet to create a statewide strategic plan for clean energy, clean technology development and job creation. We have developed ambitious goals:- Be the leader in
renewable energy export
- Be the center of the North American Solar Industry
- Lead the nation in green grid innovation
- Be a center of excellence for green building and energy efficiency
- Have a highly skilled clean-tech workforce.
Source: New Mexico 2010 State of the State Address
Jan 19, 2010
Bob Walsh:
Don't prioritize green energy
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Prioritize green energy"?
A: Strongly oppose
Source: OnTheIssues interview for 2020 New Mexico race
May 1, 2020
Carol Moseley-Braun:
Invest in environmental technology
Another way [to provide prosperity], which I find very exciting, is to invest in environmental technologies--
creating incentives for entrepreneurs to create whole new industries that will not only preserve our air and our water and our soil here, and deal with energy shortfalls and difficulties, but also give us product to sell to the rest of the world.
Source: Democratic Primary Debate, Albuquerque New Mexico
Sep 4, 2003
Dick Gephardt:
Apollo 2: Make US independent of foreign oil
When I知 president, we値l get this economy moving again. I値l get rid of the Bush tax cuts. I値l get everybody health insurance that can稚 be taken away from you.
I値l have an energy program I call Apollo 2 that値l make us independent of Persian Gulf oil. I値l have a pension program so that you can move your pension credits from one job to the other. I値l accelerate spending in the highway trust fund.
Source: Democratic Primary Debate, Albuquerque New Mexico
Sep 4, 2003
Gary Johnson:
Humans contribute to climate change, but no government role
Q: Consider climate change a serious threat? Limit or tax production of greenhouse gases?Martin Heinrich (D): Yes to both. Climate change is "devastating"--with "moral obligation to be responsible stewards of this earth."
Gary Johnson (L):
No. Says human activity is a contributing factor, but doesn't support government role in regulating.
Mick Rich (R): Unclear. Mentions but not as urgent issue. Says Sandia Labs coal plant filter can solve CO2 emissions.
Q: Support government subsidies for renewable energy?
Martin Heinrich (D): Yes. Championed renewable investments to "create thousands of new jobs."
Gary Johnson (L): No. Proposes "a free market approach,"
with technological innovation as only driver.
Mick Rich (R): No. Would only support renewable energy without government subsidies.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on New Mexico Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Gary King:
Encourage cleaner burning fuels via tough standards
Hatch indicated he supports the following principles concerning New Mexico's natural resources.- Enact tougher environmental standards to encourage the sale of cleaner burning fuels throughout New Mexico.
-
Support "self-audit" legislation which creates incentives for polluting industries to audit themselves and clean up pollution.
- Advocate state control of the transport of radioactive waste within New Mexico.
Source: New Mexico Governor 1996 National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1996
Gavin Clarkson:
Opposes Green New Deal; no fracking bans
Q: What is your opinion on energy initiatives such as the Green New Deal and the New Mexico Energy Transition Act?CLARKSON: These are big government schemes that will do little to protect the environment. They will ruin New Mexico's economy and
should be opposed at every turn. I fully oppose fracking bans. Oil and gas--and hydraulic fracturing--contribute mightily to New Mexico's economy. Mining and fracking are also essential to my #FrackChina proposal: make Communist China pay for the
coronavirus outbreak; achieve enduring American energy independence; end our reliance on China for critical minerals.
Q: What about climate change?
CLARKSON: While we all want to protect the environment and enjoy clean air and water, the case for
man-made climate change is scientifically weak and does not justify crushing human economic prosperity. President Trump was right to withdraw from the Paris Climate Deal and other efforts that harm more than help.
Source: Albuquerque Journal on 2020 New Mexico Senate race
Jun 14, 2020
Jay Block:
No drilling near urban areas; need to strike a balance
Q: What is your view of gas and oil drilling near urban areas of Sandoval County? Block: I do not agree with drilling near urban areas. Striking a balance between residents and opportunities is delicate and difficult.
Time and studies need to be taken into account to ensure the safety and integrity of our urban community is first and foremost. The energy sector is a huge part of our state's economy and our county can and has benefited from it as well.
Source: Albuquerque Journal on 2022 New Mexico Governor race
Oct 5, 2021
Jeff Apodaca:
Solar power will bring money & jobs
New Mexico is the 2nd sunniest state, yet 48th when it comes to renewable energy production. That's crazy.
If we invest into a strength, our beautiful sunshine, we have the capability to generate enough clean energy to power other states while fueling job creation at home. We will turn New Mexico around by investing in ourselves.
Source: NMPolitics.net OpEd for 2018 New Mexico Gubernatorial race
Jul 17, 2017
Jeff Apodaca:
Old and new energy industries must adapt
Apodaca noted that oil and gas exploration make up 35 percent of the state's economy and cannot be replaced. Apodaca said he would work with those industries to invest in technology that would recapture fugitive methane.
He also highlighted opportunities for developing renewable energy, such as solar power.
Source: Farmington Daily Times on 2018 New Mexico Gubernatorial race
Aug 3, 2017
Jeff Apodaca:
Fracking ok for now; move away from oil & gas over time
If there was heat, it came on energy issues and campaign financing. Apodaca faced boos on the issue of fracking, shorthand for the natural gas extraction process more formally known as hydraulic fracturing,
after he didn't immediately decry the practice, which produces massive amounts of wastewater, and instead suggested working with oil and gas companies, investing together, in renewable energies.
"I agree with you we have to move away from oil and gas," he said, "but we can't do it overnight.
We have to start investing back into ourselves to expand our economy so we're not dependent on oil and gas."
Source: Santa Fe New Mexican on 2018 New Mexico governor debate
Jan 23, 2018
Joe Cervantes:
Research snd develop renewable energy
Q: How will you address climate change problems like water scarcity and increased wildfires?A: Historically, New Mexico has been a territory with scarce water and has learned to work with less.
New Mexico should be showing leadership in this issue through its research universities innovating, manufacturing and developing renewable energy sources, which are abundant in our state.
Source: NM Political Report on 2018 New Mexico Gubernatorial race
Jul 7, 2017
Maggie Toulouse Oliver:
Unabashed support of the Green New Deal
In her first interview with The New Mexican since first suggesting she would run for Senate, Toulouse Oliver suggested she would bring a different voice to the race--that of a single mother still paying off student loans and a candidate who has pledged
to reject funding from industries such as pharmaceuticals. "It's hard when someone has served in Washington--and especially in the strong leadership position that [opponent Ben Lujan] is in--to take the kind of strong stances we really need in
Congress nowadays," Toulouse Oliver said.The secretary of state said she would campaign on "unabashed support" of the Green New Deal, a slate of Democratic environmental and economic policies, as well as the creation of a national health
insurance plan, colloquially known as "Medicare for all." Toulouse Oliver also said she would support what she described as policy on the border that "treats people like humans."
Source: Santa Fe New Mexican on 2020 New Mexico Senate race
Apr 24, 2019
Mark Ronchetti:
Strongly opposes ban on fracking, safely done for 60 years
I strongly oppose a ban on fracking. It would completely destroy our state budget and create national security issues when we have to import more foreign oil.
We've been fracking safely for 60 years in this country. Giving up energy independence is a terrible financial, environmental and national security decision.
Source: Albuquerque Journal on 2020 New Mexico Senate race
Aug 26, 2020
Mark Ronchetti:
Green New Deal would destroy New Mexico's energy economy
Mark opposes the so-called "Green New Deal," believing it would destroy New Mexico's energy economy, cause massive state budget cuts to education and health care spending, make the U.S. less competitive economically, and drive up the cost of living,
working, farming, and running a business in America. Climate change can and must be addressed, but Mark is tired of those who believe that dismantling our energy economy is the only way to do so.
Source: 2020 New Mexico Senate campaign website MarkRonchetti.com
Aug 30, 2020
Mark Ronchetti:
All-of-the-above approach to developing energy resources
Mark believes in an all-of-the-above approach to developing energy resources in New Mexico and the United States. New Mexico must continue to be aggressive and focused on producing oil and gas, wind, solar, geothermal, and other forms of energy.
Mark believes that it's possible - and necessary - to both develop our energy resources and protect our environment. These goals do not have to compete with one another.
Source: 2020 New Mexico Senate campaign website MarkRonchetti.com
Aug 30, 2020
Mark Ronchetti:
50% of our oil and gas comes from public lands
Our energy independence saves the average family $2,500 a year in energy costs. Fifty percent of our oil and gas comes from public lands, so we must continue to use federal land.
We should work with those who are concerned about energy production around cultural sites to find a solution.
Source: Albuquerque Journal on 2020 New Mexico Senate race
Aug 26, 2020
Mark Ronchetti:
Pro fracking and continue to use cost effective oil and gas
I strongly oppose a ban on fracking. It would destroy our state budget, lead to the slashing of public-school funding, and threaten national security. Fracking has happened safely for 60 years in this country. Giving up energy independence is
a terrible environmental and national security decision. Energy independence saves the average family $2,500 a year in energy costs. As 50% of our oil and gas comes from public lands, we must continue to use it.
Source: Albuquerque Journal on 2020 New Mexico Senate race
Jan 7, 2020
Martin Heinrich:
Moral obligation to prevent devastating climate change
Q: Consider climate change a serious threat? Limit or tax production of greenhouse gases?Martin Heinrich (D): Yes to both. Climate change is "devastating"--with "moral obligation to be responsible stewards of this earth."
Gary Johnson (L):
No. Says human activity is a contributing factor, but doesn't support government role in regulating.
Mick Rich (R): Unclear. Mentions but not as urgent issue. Says Sandia Labs coal plant filter can solve CO2 emissions.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on New Mexico Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Michelle Lujan-Grisham:
Limit greenhouse gases, lead on renewable energy
Q: Consider climate change a serious threat?Michelle Lujan-Grisham (D): Yes. It would be irresponsible to ignore human impact on the changing climate. Modern science should guide our policy.
Steve Pearce (R): No. In 2010 said Intergovernmental
Panel, which measured climate change, "doesn't even believe the crap."
Q: Limit or tax production of greenhouse gases?
Lujan-Grisham: Yes. Says: Limit greenhouse gases, join Paris Climate Accord, lead on renewable energy--50% of energy from
renewables by 2030, 80% by 2040.
Pearce: No. "Burdensome regulations are killing jobs & driving up energy prices." Voted to prohibit EPA from regulating greenhouse gases. Called Paris Accord an unfair deal for Americans.
Q:
Support government subsidies for renewable energy?
Lujan-Grisham: Yes. Committed to facilitating investments in renewable energy sector.
Pearce: No. Wants to "support every form of energy." Voted repeatedly against credits or support for renewables.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on New Mexico Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
Michelle Lujan-Grisham:
Pro-active on climate change: 50% renewable by 2030
The U.S. Climate Alliance is a bipartisan group of governors committed to upholding the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement, and New Mexico will join it. I will direct each state agency to participate in developing a comprehensive climate plan for
New Mexico by reducing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas pollution. I have committed to increasing our renewable portfolio standard--50 percent renewable energy by 2030 and 80 percent 10 years after that.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to New Mexico legislature
Jan 15, 2019
Michelle Lujan-Grisham:
New Mexico to have nation's largest single wind complex
In two years, we've doubled our new renewable resources over the two years before that. New Mexico will be home to the largest single wind complex in the nation, and I expect we will soon rank in the top 5 in the country for per-capita wind energy
production. We're driving down energy costs for you and reducing emissions. Property values are rising and, for the second straight year, more people are moving to New Mexico than moving out.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to New Mexico legislature
Jan 26, 2021
Mick Rich:
Make public lands accessible for energy production
New Mexico's federal public lands were always intended to benefit its citizens. But recently, much of New Mexico's public land has been fenced off from the people. This is an outrageous overreach by the federal government.
We demand the return of our public land for energy production and job creation, while we preserve its natural beauty for our children and grandchildren. New Mexico can and will lead our nation in producing clean energy for national energy independence.
Source: 2018 New Mexico Senate website MickRichForSenate.com
Aug 8, 2017
Mick Rich:
Protected public lands could be a source of energy and jobs
New Mexico's federal public lands were always intended to benefit its citizens. But recently, much of New Mexico's public land has been fenced off from the people. This is an outrageous overreach by the federal government. We demand the return
of our public land for energy production and job creation, while we preserve its natural beauty for our children and grandchildren. New Mexico can and will lead our nation in producing clean energy for national energy independence.
Source: 2018 New Mexico campaign website MickRichForSenate.com
Jan 18, 2018
Mick Rich:
Support oil & gas industry for fuel independence
Support for the oil and gas industry in southeast New Mexico is also important, Rich said, amid innovations in green and renewable energy. He said New Mexico could be at the forefront of America's fuel independence."When you think about
New Mexico's oil and gas industry, I don't think southeast New Mexico is given the credit for where we're at in the world," Rich said. "It's not just about the U.S. being energy independent. We have now surpassed Saudi Arabia in production.."
Source: Carlsbad Current-Argus on 2018 New Mexico Senate race
Jan 19, 2018
Mick Rich:
Coal plant filters can solve CO2 emissions without subsidies
Q: Consider climate change a serious threat? Limit or tax production of greenhouse gases?Martin Heinrich (D): Yes to both. Climate change is "devastating"--with "moral obligation to be responsible stewards of this earth."
Gary Johnson (L):
No. Says human activity is a contributing factor, but doesn't support government role in regulating.
Mick Rich (R): Unclear. Mentions but not as urgent issue. Says Sandia Labs coal plant filter can solve CO2 emissions.
Q: Support government subsidies for renewable energy?
Martin Heinrich (D): Yes. Championed renewable investments to "create thousands of new jobs."
Gary Johnson (L): No. Proposes "a free market approach,"
with technological innovation as only driver.
Mick Rich (R): No. Would only support renewable energy without government subsidies.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on New Mexico Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Rebecca Dow:
Against radical environmental rules for oil/gas industries
Rebecca has represented District 38 in the New Mexico House since 2017. During that time, she has passionately defended New Mexico jobs, fought to defeat overregulation of industries like mining that provide so much of the state's income, and
successfully challenged powerful opponents of our basic, inalienable rights, like the Right to Life and our Second Amendment rights.When state leaders with radical environmental agendas planned to put thousands of
New Mexican mine workers out of a job, Rebecca was there to pull back on the reins and save mining families from losing their livelihoods. When those radicals sought to demolish the state's oil and gas industries--
industries that provide millions of dollars for our state's childhood education every year--Rebecca stood up and spoke out for our workers and our state against those harmful policies.
Source: 2021 New Mexico Gubernatorial campaign site DowForNM.com
Sep 13, 2021
Rebecca Dow:
Would oppose a moratorium on fracking
Q: Would you support or oppose a moratorium on fracking? Dow: Oppose. New Mexico is heavily reliant on the oil and gas industry.
Nearly 45% of our budget is attributed to that industry. A moratorium on fracking would devastate our education system's biggest funding source, and eliminate thousands of high paying jobs in New Mexico.
Source: Albuquerque Journal on 2022 New Mexico Gubernatorial race
Sep 23, 2021
Steve Pearce:
Must include fossil fuels as well as green energy
Burdensome regulations are killing jobs and driving up energy prices at a time when we can afford neither. We should increase the supply of domestic gas and oil, while also developing greener sources of energy like
wind, solar and nuclear power. We can protect our environment and reduce our dependence on foreign oil only if only we start harnessing all our sources of energy.
Source: 2018 New Mexico Gubernatorial website pearce.house.gov
Aug 22, 2017
Steve Pearce:
No one believes the crap about climate change
Q: Consider climate change a serious threat?Michelle Lujan-Grisham (D): Yes. It would be irresponsible to ignore human impact on the changing climate. Modern science should guide our policy.
Steve Pearce (R): No. In 2010 said Intergovernmental
Panel, which measured climate change, "doesn't even believe the crap."
Q: Limit or tax production of greenhouse gases?
Lujan-Grisham: Yes. Says: Limit greenhouse gases, join Paris Climate Accord, lead on renewable energy--50% of energy from
renewables by 2030, 80% by 2040.
Pearce: No. "Burdensome regulations are killing jobs & driving up energy prices." Voted to prohibit EPA from regulating greenhouse gases. Called Paris Accord an unfair deal for Americans.
Q:
Support government subsidies for renewable energy?
Lujan-Grisham: Yes. Committed to facilitating investments in renewable energy sector.
Pearce: No. Wants to "support every form of energy." Voted repeatedly against credits or support for renewables.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on New Mexico Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
Susana Martinez:
Cap-and-Tax does not move us toward a cleaner environment
The very first executive order I signed created a small business task force to review regulations over the next 90 days. We will maintain common-sense protections for consumers, workers and our environment.
Rational regulations will remain, but irrational red tape will be cut. To be clear, regulations such as Pit Rule 17 and Cap-and-Tax do not move us toward a cleaner environment.
Instead, they move jobs to the other side of the state line. New Mexico is a beautiful state and protecting the environment and developing our natural resources are not mutually exclusive goals.
We can achieve both and we must achieve both. But that requires basing environmental regulations on sound science--not on political ideology.
Source: 2011 New Mexico State of the State Address
Jan 18, 2011
Susana Martinez:
Eliminate gross receipts tax on locomotive fuels
Early last year, I came before you to ask that we eliminate the gross receipts tax on locomotive fuels to level the playing field with Texas. I promised that if we did that, Union Pacific would locate in New Mexico.
We came together in a bi-partisan manner and eliminated that tax. And Union Pacific is now in New Mexico, creating 3,000 jobs building their new facility and over 600 permanent jobs. TE Connectivity is now leaving
El Paso and moving to Santa Teresa, creating up to 200 jobs. It's a similar story with Alaska Structures, which also moved operations here from El Paso.
In fact, a Texas newspaper has seen what we've done,
and they're worried--they said so in an editorial. Texas is worrying about New Mexico stealing their jobs. My friends, the more they worry, the better we're doing.
Source: 2012 New Mexico State of the State Address
Jan 17, 2012
Susana Martinez:
Diversify so we're not at mercy of federal government
One year ago, I warned about the impacts of lost oil and gas revenue. We all know the cause of the crisis. We've been at the mercy of the federal government and an unpredictable oil and gas market. We have been among the top five most dependent states
on the federal government. Oil and gas revenues make up a third of our budget. It's been this way for decades and we won't change it overnight. But we must continue diversifying our economy and restraining the size of government.
When sequestration hit, we got an up-close look at what can happen when we are too reliant on federal government spending, and now we're seeing it with oil and gas. In just a year and a half, oil prices dropped 71 percent. That hit us hard.
We lost over 11,000 oil and gas jobs. Despite those losses, we added over 30,000 private sector jobs. That's a direct result of choosing reforms: We are diversifying our economy and laying a strong foundation for private-sector growth.
Source: 2017 State of the State address to New Mexico Legislature
Jan 17, 2017
Tom Udall:
Do it all, do it right
Tom's view on energy policy can be summed up in six words--do it all, do it right.Doing it all will allow us to take control of our energy security and spur job growth through a clean energy economy.
A sustainable American energy future requires a diverse portfolio, including more renewable sources like wind and solar, efficiency and conservation, along with traditional energy sources like natural gas, domestic oil, and nuclear power.
It also means facing the threat of global warming. As a member of the Senate Committee on the Environment and Public Works,
Tom supported creating a system of clean energy incentives and limits on pollution--policies that can reduce foreign oil imports and greenhouse gas emissions, while creating nearly two million jobs and billions of dollars in energy savings.
Source: Vote-USA.org on 2020 New Mexico Senate race
Oct 25, 2014
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023