The natural gas and oil industry is critical to New Mexico’s post-pandemic recovery

(The following statement is from the New Mexico Oil & Gas Association’s chairman, Leland Gould. For the full “Energy Builds America” report, visit https://www.api.org/news-policy-and-issues/american-energy/energy-builds-america-jobs-economy-environment-all-50-states.) “This analysis underscores the importance of the natural-gas- and oil-industry, for New Mexico’s post-pandemic economic recovery. Pre-pandemic, the industry added almost 19-billion dollars to the state’s ‘Gross Domestic Product’—representing 17-point-nine-percent of the state’s economy. In fact, New Mexico ranked among the highest states, for total economic contributions by the oil- and natural-gas-industry. “It’s clear, the natural-gas- and oil-industry is a critical part of New Mexico’s economic and fiscal future—offering support for jobs, tax-revenue, and local economies. This outlook depends on policies that support—rather than hinder—American energy. That’s why we will continue to advocate for responsible development of our abundant energy-resources—just as we have done safely for years. New Mexico is stronger when America is leading the world, in energy-production.”