Donald Trump’s pledge to cut federal oversight of the oil and gas industry is forcing New Mexico to decide whether it will strengthen state regulations on an industry that provides a third of its budget and greenhouse gas emissions.
Jerry Redfern reports for Capital & Main.
In short:
- New Mexico lawmakers are considering bills to enforce emissions reductions and regulate the oil and gas industry, but passage is uncertain due to industry influence and political divisions.
- Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s administration has pushed for climate policies, but upcoming elections could shift the state's stance, particularly if a Republican takes office.
- Trump’s proposed deregulation could end federal support for state enforcement, leaving New Mexico to address pollution and climate concerns on its own.
Key quote:
“You cannot watch the fires and floods in Roswell and Ruidoso and L.A. and not know something is seriously wrong.”
— Camilla Feibelman, director of the Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter
Why this matters:
New Mexico’s reliance on oil and gas revenue complicates efforts to curb emissions and protect public health. Weakening regulations could worsen climate change impacts like wildfires and floods, while tighter controls may face political resistance. The state's decisions now could shape its environmental and economic future.
Read: Trump's push for more drilling clashes with market realities
