Jim Winchester Executive Director | Independent Petrolium Association of New Mexico
Former U.S. Representative Steve Pearce has been nominated to a top position at the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a move that is expected to impact oil and gas development in New Mexico. The Trump administration continues its policy of opening federal lands for energy production, which supporters say will benefit the state.
Jim Winchester, Executive Director of the Independent Petroleum Association of New Mexico (IPANM), commented on Pearce’s nomination:
“At time when New Mexico state policymakers and regulators are pushing through a half-dozen new, anti-oil & gas administrative regulations to further stifle oil & gas development on state lands, IPANM members welcome Steve Pearce’s strong experience and leadership that will encourage growth for the industry on the state’s federal lands.
“Just this week, a half-dozen small oil & gas business owners testified in state rulemaking that they are purposefully leaving state lands in New Mexico to either work on federal lands or work in other states altogether citing an unfriendly and unworkable state business climate.
“In stark contrast, the Trump administration’s selection Steve Pearce will further bring pragmatism and meaningful reforms to federal regulations that highlight how safe and responsible oil & gas production leads to human flourishing in all walks of life in New Mexico and the world.”
Pearce's nomination comes as some small oil and gas businesses have stated they are shifting operations away from New Mexico's state lands due to what they describe as restrictive policies. Industry representatives argue that changes at the federal level could make it easier for companies to operate within the state by providing more predictable regulatory conditions.
