In this week’s episode of The Reporter’s Notebook Podcast, we’re joined by Adrian Hedden, who covers energy, oil and gas for the Carlsbad Current-Argus. As you likely know, time is winding down on this year’s 60-day legislative session. As we’ve discussed in several recent episodes, New Mexico is looking at a record-breaking budget surplus; it could very well be the state’s largest budget in history.
And, by and large, we’ve got the state’s oil and gas sector to thank for that. But is the “goose that laid the golden egg” on the chopping block? Several bills put forth this year seek to curb the oil and gas industry — with further restrictions, regulations and oversight.
It has long been acknowledged that New Mexico must find ways to diversify its revenue streams and reduce the state’s reliance on extractive industries. Legislators, however, have failed to reach a consensus on a path forward.
This year, several bills have been put forward that specifically address the state’s relationship with the oil and gas industry. Others focus on alternative energies. With less than a week left in the session, some bills have died and others may have a chance of making it to the governor’s desk. Adrian will walk us through some of the hot-button issues and proposed legislation.