Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has appointed Greg Nibert, a former Republican state senator and oil and gas lawyer, to the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (PRC) for a six-year term. Nibert, from Roswell, was selected over five other candidates, including outgoing commissioner James Ellison. Ellison had been seeking another term after his appointment by Lujan Grisham in January 2023 for a two-year tenure.

The selection process was managed by the seven-member Public Regulation Commission Nominating Committee, which advised the governor but did not have the final decision-making authority. According to state law, the seat needed to be filled by either a Republican or an independent.

Nibert's political career includes his appointment to a state Senate seat at the start of 2024 after representing Roswell in the House of Representatives since 2016. He lost a Republican primary race in June 2024 to Patrick Boone; his Senate term concluded on Tuesday.

The PRC underwent significant changes following a constitutional amendment approved by voters in 2020. Three new commissioners were appointed by the governor in 2023 with staggered term expiration dates, with Ellison's being first.

Ellison, previously a grid analyst at Sandia National Laboratories, was appointed after Brian Moore resigned amid criticism regarding his qualifications for the position.

Nibert’s term commenced on Wednesday and will last until 2030. As commissioner, he will receive an annual salary of $190,000.

In response to his appointment announced by the Governor’s Office on Wednesday, Nibert expressed his gratitude: “The PRC plays a crucial role in ensuring we meet the renewable energy targets set forth in statute for the betterment of our state,” he stated. “I look forward to securing New Mexico’s energy future for generations to come.”