New Mexico is a major player in the United States' oil and natural gas industry, ranking second in annual oil production and ninth in natural gas production. The state's production is concentrated in the Permian Basin in the southeast and the San Juan Basin in the northwest. With these contributions come environmental challenges, particularly regarding methane emissions. The state's regulatory framework aims to reduce these emissions while supporting industry growth.
The New Mexico Oil & Gas Association (NMOGA) plays a key role in promoting environmentally responsible development of resources. Andrea Felix, Senior Regulatory Policy Advisor for NMOGA, described her role as leading efforts in policy development on federal and state regulatory matters. "Our organization...is a coalition of oil and gas companies, individuals, and stakeholders," said Felix.
Felix emphasized NMOGA's collaborative approach with members, agency leaders, and other stakeholders to develop transparent policies that align industry needs with environmental goals. She stated, "It’s a balancing act to ensure alignment between industry perspectives and environmental goals."
New Mexico's stringent methane policies set it apart from other states. Felix noted that while compliance can be challenging and costly, "our members take great pride in being part of the climate solution." By December 2026, operators must capture 98% of their produced natural gas. According to Felix, operators have already achieved this target ahead of schedule.
Technology plays a crucial role in these efforts. Felix highlighted that each basin has unique characteristics requiring tailored technological solutions. She explained that NMOGA helps members stay informed about new technologies to further reduce emissions.
Regular meetings with member companies are part of NMOGA's framework to ensure targets are met. Felix mentioned that collaboration has proven effective: "The recent announcement by EMNRD...proves that the collaboration and regular meetings with our members are effective."
Looking forward, discussions at NMOGA's 2024 annual meeting focused on expanding New Mexico’s electric utility grid and establishing standards for water reuse as priorities for 2025.
