“You may clap now.”
With that, Rep. Javier Martínez, the speaker of the New Mexico House of Representatives, ushered Jan. 28, New Mexico Oil and Gas Day, into the record books. The measure passed in a unanimous consent vote of all of the state’s representatives — a process that didn’t allow for anyone to vote against it. The preceding 20 minutes of discussion were a Republican-led chorus of “Drill, baby, drill!” and pro-industry rhetoric. Just two Democrats spoke, one in hearty endorsement and the other with a carefully worded note of caution.
