Energy Expert Confirms Credit for Increased New Mexico Oil & Natural Gas Production Goes to Past Administrations, Not President Obama

Today, President Obama will visit Maljamar, New Mexico as part of a political PR tour to convince voters that this month's record gasoline prices aren't his fault. What you won’t hear from President Obama today is that any increase in federal oil and gas production in New Mexico is thanks to the pro-energy policies of previous administrations and in spite of his job-destroying energy policies that are only making America less energy secure. At a Natural Resources Committee hearing today on gasoline prices, Chairman Doc Hastings asked David Holt, President of the nonprofit, nonpartisan Consumer Energy Alliance, if the drilling rigs and energy production President Obama will see while in New Mexico are a result of his Administration’s policies. The short answer: NO.


Chairman Hastings: “Can you tell me…is it the actions of this Administration that have led to the drilling activity that he will see on the tour or is this the result of actions by previous Administrations?”

Holt: “I believe where he is heading today [New Mexico] is the result of previous Administrations—you’re seeing a lot of new activity that this Administration is claiming credit for…”

Meanwhile, people in New Mexico continue to suffer from rising gasoline prices:

Gas Prices for New Mexicans To Cut Back [KOAT, March 14]
"AAA said a recent survey of its New Mexico customers found that 82 percent are cutting back on unnecessary driving and 50 percent are eating out at restaurants less."
Gas prices higher than expected [Las Cruces Bulletin, March 9]
"All businesses are scared of increased fuel costs because that increases operating costs. Sadly, the only way to stay afloat is to put that burden on customers."
New Mexicans Fear the Gas Price Increase [KOB.com, February 27]
"It's getting higher and higher," said Bill Lewis, filling his tank in Albuquerque. "I'm gonna have to go to a bicycle like the rest of the world. I'm worried about it going up another penny, let alone five bucks!"

###

Contact: Jill Strait, Spencer Pederson or Crystal Feldman 202-226-9019