Resources, Energy & Environment
A lifelong New Mexican, I know the importance of protecting the dozens of gorgeous National and State Parks across our state. These parks are not only treasured lands; they contribute to our local economies, and we should preserve them for future generations. However, we must ensure efforts to conserve and preserve these natural lands do not unfairly punish law abiding citizens or restrict access for hikers, hunters, fishermen or other recreationalists.
I also believe we can safely extract natural resources from public lands, especially in New Mexico. In our state over 100,000 people are employed by the oil and gas industry and nearly 40% of our state budget comes from oil and gas royalty payments. In addition, New Mexico is the third largest oil-producing state and one of the top 10 natural gas producing states, its vital that we protect these industries.
Unfortunately, President Joe Biden, caving to pressure from radical Left, has acted to effectively end the leases that pave the way for extraction on public lands, a decision that would devastate New Mexico’s economy. As a member of the Natural Resources Committee, I will continue to fight to protect the New Mexicans whose jobs and livelihoods rely on these leases.
Sponsored Legislation
Protecting Our Wealth of Energy Resources (POWER) Act – The POWER Act would block President Biden's ability to ban new energy leases on federal lands without the approval of Congress.
Protecting New Mexico's Jobs and Public Education System Act – This legislation would exempt oil and gas development on federal lands in the State of New Mexico from President Joe Biden's moratorium.
Biochar Innovations and Opportunities for Conservation, Health, and Advancements in Research (BIOCHAR) Act – This legislation would lay the groundwork for biochar to reach its full environmental and agricultural potential by setting up research projects and providing valuable funding.
Letters related Resources, Energy, and Environment
July 12, 2021 - Letter to EPA Regarding Navigable Waters Protection Rule
June 28, 2021 - Letter to Senate Natural Resources Committee Opposing Tracy Stone-Manning
June 24, 2021 - Letter to DOI Regarding Leasing Ban Injunction
June 16, 2021 - Letter to DOI Regarding the Lesser Prairie Chicken
June 10, 2021 - Letter to Bureau of Reclamation Regarding Elephant Butte
May 13, 2021 - Letter to Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Hoyer Regarding Oil and Gas Tax
March 30, 2021 - Letter to Commissioner Richard regarding Federal Actions Taken by Biden Administration
January 26, 2021 - Letter to President Biden Regarding Oil and Gas Policies
January 25, 2021 - Letter to Governor Lujan Grisham Regarding Federal Oil and Gas Leasing