NM reps seek stricter natural gas regulations

Democratic members of a U.S. House committee – including two members of New Mexico’s delegation – expressed concern Monday that lax oil and natural gas regulations are putting state residents at risk and depriving the state of revenue it should be getting. While taxes and royalties from fossil fuel production have long helped prop up New Mexico’s budget, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham recently ordered Cabinet secretaries to come up with a plan to reduce methane emissions. She also signed legislation aimed at moving the state away from its oil and gas reliance – and toward solar, wind and other types of renewable energy. Democratic members of a U.S. House committee – including two members of New Mexico’s delegation – expressed concern Monday that lax oil and natural gas regulations are putting state residents at risk and depriving the state of revenue it should be getting. While taxes and royalties from fossil fuel production have long helped prop up New Mexico’s budget, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham recently ordered Cabinet secretaries to come up with a plan to reduce methane emissions. She also signed legislation aimed at moving the state away from its oil and gas reliance – and toward solar, wind and other types of renewable energy.  That effort drew praise from members of the state’s congressional delegation. “I would love for us to explore other ways for folks to make a living,” U.S. Rep. Deb Haaland, D-N.M., said during a field hearing Monday at the Roundhouse. “We shouldn’t have to suffer every time the price of oil goes down.”...MORE

“I would love for us to explore other ways for folks to make a living,” U.S. Rep. Deb Haaland, D-N.M., said 

Now isn't that special. NM ranks 49th in unemployment. That means 48,787 New Mexicans don't have a job. Haaland, however, wants to help those who already have a job to find a different one. 

“We shouldn’t have to suffer every time the price of oil goes down.”

Don't spend it in the first place and you won't have to "suffer" when the price of oil goes down.

Many of us are "suffering" from having to listen to this nonsense.