The New Mexico Legislature began its 2026 session this week. Even-numbered years like this one are almost exclusively dedicated to budgetary issues, which puts the state’s oil and gas industry front and center, as revenues from the oilfields make up about a third of the state’s General Fund budget, and contribute millions more to its permanent funds. The New Mexico Oil and Gas Association sits at the middle of numerous political debates each legislative session as the biggest representative of the state’s most lucrative industry.
Missi Currier has led the group since 2023, as state legislators have pumped fossil fuel revenues into record state budgets. During that time, some studies have shown that oilfield air pollution emissions have risen as the Democratic-majority Legislature has passed little legislation to impose greater oversight or extract more tax dollars.
This interview was originally recorded Jan. 22 for New Mexico PBS’ weekly news program New Mexico in Focus.
