Taos, NM — Yesterday, the members of the Legislative Finance Committee (LFC) received a spotlight report about orphaned oil & gas wells in New Mexico. However, this report was subsequently flagged by lawmakers as being biased against our state's extractive industries. Concerns around the report arose from data reported by the Oil Conservation Division of the Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department that lacked input from industry partners and experts. Though the publication was intended to provide policy options to legislators, it failed to acknowledge the compliance efforts of industry leaders across New Mexico and omitted any mention that the industry plugs over 95% of their wells and the billions of dollars that are contributed to the state economy.
LFC member Senator Steve Lanier (R-Aztec) issued the following statement:
"By misrepresenting key data, this report is nothing more than an attack on New Mexico's vital oil and gas industry." Lanier continued, "It is essential that we, as lawmakers, receive unbiased and nonpartisan reports if we are to objectively assess programs and make informed decisions on behalf of our constituents. Fortunately, my colleagues and I recognized the source of this misleading report— self-serving 'climate warriors' once again trying to further their radical progressive policy goals without regard for the damage they would do to our state's economy."
