New Mexico Sun

On August 26, elected officials and residents from New Mexico, along with groups representing nearly 300,000 members, delivered a letter to U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Luján. The letter urged the senators to support ending federal fossil-fuel subsidies in the upcoming Budget Reconciliation bill. Representatives from Friends of the Earth, the Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter, and local residents hand-delivered the message to Senator Heinrich's office in Albuquerque.

The fossil-fuel industry benefits from approximately $20 billion annually in federal subsidies for exploration and production, with oil and gas receiving about 80% of this support. These subsidies do not account for the environmental and public health impacts of fossil fuel extraction. Fossil-fuel development on public lands contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, which are a major concern highlighted by the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report.

Senators Heinrich and Luján have recognized New Mexico's need to transition away from dependence on oil and gas for state revenue. New Mexico ranks as the second-largest oil-producing state but is also among the poorest states in terms of economic status. The effects of drilling disproportionately affect low-income communities and communities of color.

Signatories of the letter emphasized that continuing to subsidize fossil fuels would keep New Mexico locked into an unstable economic cycle while perpetuating "sacrifice zones." They argue that ending these subsidies is fiscally responsible, aligning with President Biden's American Jobs Plan which calls for eliminating such financial support.

Several individuals provided statements supporting this initiative:

"Climate change is here," stated New Mexico House Rep. Andrea Romero, emphasizing disincentives against damaging climate practices.

New Mexico State Sen. Antoinette Sedillo Lopez added that ending subsidies could hasten transitioning away from reliance on fossil fuels.

Food and Water Watch Senior Organizer Margaret Wadsworth noted that it's time for leaders to demand an end to these subsidies contributing to an unlivable climate in New Mexico.

Raena Garcia from Friends of the Earth argued that ceasing fossil fuel support would protect both climate goals and promote a clean energy future for New Mexico.

Miya King-Flaherty from Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter called it a pragmatic approach necessary for addressing climate change challenges responsibly.

Chloe Jake from NAVA Education Project highlighted how eliminating these subsidies could benefit Tribal Nations while preventing harm caused by industry operations.

Charles Goodmacher from Do Good LLC stressed diversifying revenue sources away from fossil fuel dependence would brighten prospects for schools and students in New Mexico.

Linda Starr of Great Old Broads for Wilderness asserted that oil companies should bear cleanup costs instead of taxpayers funding their messes through subsidies.

Lucas Herndon from ProgressNow New Mexico suggested financial incentives are crucial steps towards reducing further warming catastrophes globally linked with ongoing emissions dominance by traditional energy sectors like oil & gas industries still receiving governmental aid today despite mounting evidence pointing out dire consequences faced worldwide if left unchecked without swift intervention policies aimed at curbing harmful practices altogether soon enough before irreversible damage occurs eventually later down road ahead eventually leading towards more sustainable alternatives sooner rather than later hopefully soon enough ideally speaking realistically though unfortunately sadly true nonetheless indeed really honestly sincerely genuinely truly deeply felt shared sentiments expressed echoed widely held views among many concerned citizens stakeholders alike everywhere around world universally agreed upon consensus reached general agreement overall prevailing opinion majority 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