Adrian Hedden
Artesia Daily Press
achedden@currentargus.com

Restrictions on air emissions from oil and gas drilling will not become law in New Mexico this year.

The New Mexico Senate on Wednesday, Feb. 11, voted down Senate Bill 18, known as the Clear Horizons Act, which would have made law a series of greenhouse gas reduction goals set via a 2019 executive order signed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.

Despite being approved by the Senate Conservation and Senate Tax Business and Transportation committees in the early days of the ongoing 30-day legislative session, SB 18 was defeated on the Senate floor, 23-19.

Seven Democrats sided with all Republicans in the chamber to vote down the bill after hours of debate.

If passed, the bill would have required by law that industries throughout the state reduce emissions by 45% by 2030, 75% by 2040 and completely by 2050, based on 2005 levels.

The state’s Environmental Improvement board would have been tasked with creating a statewide emissions reduction plan, establishing more stringent monitoring rules and creating requirements to reduce emissions at all facilities that produce 10,000 or more metric tons per year.

All told, the bill would have cost the state an estimated $17 million a year to enact in Fiscal Years 2027 and 2028, and $34 million over the next three years, according to an analysis published by the Legislative Finance Committee.

Fiscal years run from July 1 to June 30 of each year, named for the year they end in.

The financial cost of carrying out the bill would have been small compared to the economic harm opponents of SB 18 said it would have on New Mexico, namely its oil and gas industry.

New Mexico is the second-highest producer of crude oil in the U.S., following only Texas which shares the Permian Basin – an 86,000-square mile oil and gas deposit that stretches from rural southeast New Mexico to West Texas cities such as Midland and Odessa.

And the industry is a key economic driver to the state, providing about $13.26 billion in revenue in FY 2025, according to the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association – about half of the state’s operating budget.

The Association, which functions as a lobbyist group for industry interests during the state’s annual legislative sessions and throughout the year, frequently publicized data it said showed the harmful effects of SB 18 as the bill moved through the Legislature.

By 2030, the association estimated, SB 18 would cost $740 million in state revenue, then $3 billion by 2040 and $5.1 billion by 2050, based on the higher cost of compliance the group said oil and gas companies would be forced to pay if the bill became law, according to a Feb. 6 report.

But SB 18 sponsor Sen. Mimi Stewart (D-17), who introduced similar legislation that was also defeated in last year’s session, said after the vote that air pollution led to higher insurance and emergency response costs associated with related disasters such as wildfires, leading to a greater economic impact than reductions in oil production.

“The Clear Horizons Act offered a responsible, transparent plan to reduce those risks and protect families over the long term,” she said. “While today’s vote is disappointing, the need for planning ahead has not gone away.”

Missi Currier, president of the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association, did not comment on the economic impacts of pollution or extreme weather events, but said SB 18 would impede the state’s economy.

“Legislators rightly rejected a framework that numerous experts and industry leaders warned would threaten those essential revenues and drive up costs for households already facing economic pressure,” Currier said.

She said the oil and gas industry was already addressing its environmental impact through market-driven solutions, and working closely with state officials to devise regulations that balance New Mexico’s economic needs with environmental protections.

“Our industry remains committed to reducing emissions, embracing innovation, and advancing responsible energy development,” Currier said. “We will continue working collaboratively with policymakers, regulators, and stakeholders on practical, science‑based solutions — ones that protect both our environment and New Mexico’s economic future.”

Environmental groups chided lawmakers for failing to enact legislation supporters said was critical to mitigate impacts of air pollution in New Mexico, and the aridification of the state brought on by the resulting global warming.

“New Mexicans want leadership that plans ahead, protects families from rising costs, and holds major polluters accountable,” said Demis Foster, chief executive officer of Conservation Voters New Mexico. “We stand with the New Mexican families impacted by wildfires, floods, heat, and rising utility costs in pushing for a better future.”

Republicans maintained that their votes against the bill reflected widespread opposition, specifically from oil and gas communities such as Carlsbad and Hobbs in the state’s southeast corner.

“We are proud to stand united in our fierce opposition to radical and damaging policies like Senate Bill 18 that seek to destroy our state’s lifeline: our vital industries and businesses,” read a statement from the New Mexico Senate Republican Caucus.

“We must restore common sense to the Roundhouse; it is imperative that state lawmakers prioritize policies aimed towards addressing our state’s real issues.”

Managing Editor Adrian Hedden can be reached at 575-628-5516, or @AdrianHedden on the social media platform X.

Alex Ross
El Rito Media
aross@elritomedia.com

Two Democrats and four Republicans qualified for the ballot in New Mexico’s June 2 gubernatorial primary in which each party’s voters will choose a nominee to replace outgoing Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.

Lujan Grisham is completing her second four-year term and is prohibited by term limits from seeking a third. Voters will choose her successor in the Nov. 3 general election.

The two Democrats who filed to run for governor and secured positions on the primary ballot were former U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman, both from Albuquerque.

Republicans who qualified to seek the GOP nomination for governor were Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull; former New Mexico Department of Human Services Secretary Duke Rodriguez of Albuquerque; state Sen. Steve Lanier of Aztec; former New Mexico Public Regulations Commissioner James Ellison of Cedar Crest; and businessman Doug Turner of Albuquerque.

Candidates qualify for the primary ballot by gathering signatures from registered voters representing a designated percentage of the party’s voters in the previous election. In the governor’s race, Democratic candidates needed 2,505 signatures to qualify for this year’s ballot; Republicans needed 2,351.

Democratic U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, who is seeking election to a second six-year term, qualified for the primary ballot as did Democratic challenger Matthew Dodson of Farmington. The only Republican who filed to run for Lujan’s Senate seat, Christopher Vanden Heuvel of Rio Rancho, fell far short of the 2,351 signatures he needed to secure a place on the ballot, leaving the GOP without a candidate for the party’s U.S. Senate nomination.

The Democrats’ nominee could still face opposition in November from an independent candidate or a challenger representing a minor party.

The New Mexico Secretary of State’s Office is responsible for determining which candidates qualify for the ballot and Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver secured a ballot position for herself as a candidate for the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor. Democratic state Sen. Harold Pope also qualified as a candidate for lieutenant governor as did two Republicans, state Sen. David Gallegos and Albuquerque attorney Blair Dunn.

Following is a list of other candidates who qualified for the June 2 primary ballot.

New Mexico 1st Congressional District

Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D)

Steve Jones (R)

Ndidiamaka Ekwua Charlene Okpareke (R)

New Mexico 2nd Congressional District

Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D)

Greggory Cunningham (R)

Jose Orozco (R)

New Mexico 3rd Congressional District

Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez (D)

Martin Zamora (R)

Secretary of State

Amanda López Askin (D)

Katharine Clark (D)

Romana Goolsby (R)

Sonya Smith (D)

Attorney General

Attorney General Raúl Torrez (D)

Samuel Kane (R)

Commissioner of Public Lands

Jonas Moya (D)

Matthew McQueen (D)

Michael Perry (R)

Juan De Jesus Sanchez III (D)

State Treasurer

Laura Montoya (D)

State Auditor

Joseph Maestas (D)

State Appeals Court Judge

Kris Houghton (D)

Legislative reporter Alex Ross can be followed on X @alexrosstweets.

Feb 1

Arrest

Tabytha Leann Carrasco Lopez arrested for criminal trespass.

Ricky Lynn Ellis arrested for larceny from all other $500-$2500.

Jacob Orona arrested for aggravated DUI, speeding.

WELFARE

2:01 pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block W. Richardson Ave. in reference to welfare of a child.

DISTURBANCE

4:05 pm – Officer dispatched to 500 block of S. 20th St. in reference to disturbance.

WELFARE

7:20 pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block of W. James St. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

UNWANTED

8:24 pm – Officer dispatched to 1500 block of N. 1st St. in reference to an unwanted subject.

DISTURBANCE

9:21 pm – Officer dispatched to 1600 block of W. Hermosa Dr. in reference to disturbance.

WELFARE

10:30 pm – Officer dispatched to 1600 block of W. Hermosa Dr. in reference to the welfare of a child.

Feb 2

WELFARE

3:45 am – Officer dispatched to 1900 block of W. Richey Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

INDECENT

8:57 am – Officer dispatched to 800 block of S. Roselawn Ave. in reference to indecent exposure.

WELFARE

9:19 am – Officer dispatched to 1900 block of W. Richey Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

10:51 am – Officer dispatched to 400 block of W. Centre Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

BATTERY

11:11 am – Officer dispatched to 1100 block of W. Bullock Ave. in reference to battery.

WELFARE

11:27 am – Officer dispatched to 400 block of W. Centre Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

ACCIDENT

11:36 am – Officer dispatched to S. 1st St. and W. Main St. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.

THREATS

12:08 pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block of W. Lolita Ave. in reference to threats.

LARCENY

12:15 pm – Officer dispatched to 2000 block of W. Main St. in reference to larceny.

BATTERY

1:35 pm – Officer dispatched to 1000 block of W. Richardson Ave. in reference to battery.

ACCIDENT

3:06 pm – Officer dispatched to S. 13th St. and W. Hermosa Dr. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.

ALARM

3:07 pm -Officer dispatched to 1400 block of W. Ray Ave. in reference to a burglary alarm.

RECKLESS

3:44 pm – Officer dispatched to N. 8th St. and W. Texas Ave. in reference to a reckless vehicle.

ACCIDENT

4:57 pm – Officer dispatched to W. Hermosa Dr. and S. 20th St. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.

6:04 pm – Officer dispatched to 1100 block of W. Bullock Ave. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.

UNWANTED

6:22 pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block of N. 10th St. in reference to an unwanted subject.

DOMESTIC

8:14 pm – Officer dispatched to 900 block of S. 3rd St. in reference to verbal domestic.

INDECENT

8:33 pm – Officer dispatched to 1700 block of W. Main St. in reference to indecent exposure.

WELFARE

8:42 pm – Officer dispatched to 1900 block of W. Richey Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

SUSPICIOUS

11:00 pm – Officer dispatched to 2200 block of W. Main St. in reference to suspicious activity.

Feb. 3

Arrest

Jason Ray Hernandez arrested for battery against a household member, false imprisonment.

Traci Leigh Madrid arrested for battery against a household member.

SUSPICIOUS

12:00 am – Officer dispatched to 1000 block of N. Roselawn Ave. in reference to suspicious person.

DISTURBANCE

12:05 am – Officer dispatched to 700 block of N. 10th St. in reference to neighborly disturbance.

LOUD

5:01 am- Officer dispatched to 700 block of N. 10th St. in reference to a loud noise.

STOLEN

5:19 am – Officer dispatched to 900 block of S. 2nd St. in reference to a stolen vehicle.

VANDAL

8:58 am – Officer dispatched to 3100 block of W. Main St. in reference to vandal.

DISTURBANCE

10:32 am – Officer dispatched to N. 12th St and W. Main St. in reference to disorderly disturbance.

WELFARE

10:39 am – Officer dispatched to 200 block of W. Quay Ave. in reference to welfare of an adult.

11:31 am – Officer dispatched to 800 block of S. 1st St. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

ACCIDENT

12:19 pm – Officer dispatched to 400 block of W. Richardson Ave. in reference to a motor vehicle accident.

THREATS

1:17 pm – Officer dispatched to 3200 block of W. Main St. in reference to threats.

UNWANTED

1:27 pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block of N. 10th St. in reference to an unwanted subject.

SUSPICIOUS

1:43 pm – Officer dispatched to 800 block of N. 5th St. in reference to suspicious trespass.

DISTURBANCE

2:48 pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block of W. Centre Ave. in reference to a family disturbance.

SUSPICIOUS

7:18 pm – Officer dispatched to 1400 block of W. Hermosa Dr. in reference to a suspicious person.

DISTURBANCE

9:06 pm – Officer dispatched to 700 block of N. 10th St. in reference to disturbance.

WELFARE

9:13 pm – Officer dispatched to 1100 block of W. Merchant Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

DOMESTIC

9:46 pm – Officer dispatched to 900 block of W. Chisum Ave. in reference to domestic.

Feb 4

Arrest

Jesse Ray Barraza arrested for resisting, evading, obstructing an officer.

Erlinda Evette Gutierrez arrested for controlled substance, possession prohibited.

SHOTS FIRED

2:34 am – Officer dispatched to 600 block of W. Chisum Ave. in reference to shots fired in the area.

WELFARE

8:57 am – Officer dispatched to N. 7th St. and W. James Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

DISTURBANCE

10:16 am – Officer dispatched to 1900 block of W. Richey Ave. in reference to family disturbance.

DOMESTIC

11:25 am – Officer dispatched to S. St. and W. Hermosa Dr. in reference to physical domestic.

WELFARE

12:34 pm – Officer dispatched to 600 block of W. Washington Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult

ALARM

3:41 pm – Officer dispatched to 3700 block of W. Grand Ave. in reference to burglary alarm.

DISTURBANCE

4:12 pm – Officer dispatched to 900 block of N. 4th St. in reference to disorderly disturbance.

WELFARE

7:16 pm – Officer dispatched to 2600 block of W. Richey Ave. in reference to the welfare of an adult.

SUSPICIOUS

11:39 pm – Officer dispatched to 800 block of S. Roselawn Ave. in reference to a suspicious trespass.

UNWANTED

11:44 pm- Officer dispatched to 900 block of N. 4th St. in reference to an unwanted subject.

Feb 5

RECKLESS

7:58 am -Officer dispatched to S. 20th St. and W. Washington Ave. in reference to a reckless vehicle.

Mike Smith
Artesia Daily Press
msmith@currentargus.com

Editor’s note: The Artesia Daily Press has submitted questionnaires to candidates running for Artesia City Council and mayor in the March 3 municipal elections. The newspaper is publishing each of the responses in the order they are received.

Joseph “Woody” Wright is 72 year old. He retired in 2023 as site director for the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Artesia.

Wright and Nathan Ryno are seeking the District 2 council seat currently held by George Mullen, who decided not to run for reelection.

Why did you decide to run for City Council?

“After retiring, I felt a strong desire to continue serving the community that has meant so much to me. Running for City Council allows me to use my experience to give back to Artesia.”

What is your day-one priority if elected?

“My day-one priority is informed leadership. I will listen first by meeting with the mayor, fellow council members, and department heads to understand the current state of the city and its needs, so I can serve our residents effectively from day one.”

What do you see as the biggest needs for City Council and what can you do as a councilor to meet those needs?

“The greatest need I see for the City Council is open, respectful communication. I will prioritize listening to residents, the mayor, and fellow council members, and work collaboratively to make thoughtful, well-informed decisions for the city.”

How would you like to see the city of Artesia spend tax revenues for city services?

“City funds should be spent based on complete and accurate financial data, a clear understanding of competing priorities, and an honest assessment of urgency so resources are directed where they are most needed and provide the greatest benefit to residents.”

What can the City Council do to improve municipal services such as road maintenance for Artesia residents, especially those living in rural areas of the city?

“Improving municipal services, including road conditions in rural areas, begins with evaluating how services are delivered across the city. Within a balanced budget, the City Council must prioritize the greatest needs and develop a strategic plan to address them responsibly and equitably.”

Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 extension-2361.

Mike Smith
Artesia Daily Press
msmith@currentargus.com

Editor’s note: The Artesia Daily Press has submitted questionnaires to candidates running for Artesia City Council and mayor in the March 3 municipal elections. The newspaper is publishing each of the responses in the order they are received.

Born in Roswell in 64 years ago, Terry Todd has lived in Artesia since 1982 and is running to replace current Mayor Jon Henry, who decided not to seek another term.

Todd is facing District 3 City Councilor and Mayor Pro Tem Jeff Youtsey.

What made you decide to run for this office?

“For over a decade I have had a desire to serve in an elected service office. Service is in my family’s DNA and after a 40-year career of serving the public with the New Mexico State Police and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center I wanted to take the next step in public office.”

What is your day-one priority if elected?

“There is definitely more than one specific priority walking into the mayor’s position. My top priorities will be to engage with the city’s workforce, look at any consistent concerns voiced by the public and the current status of addressing the concerns, current budget, remaining expenditures for the fiscal year, and establishing rapport with the City Council and their expertise.”

What do you see as the biggest needs for City Council and the mayor’s office, and what can you do as mayor to meet those needs?

“(To) ensure we maintain a holistic view of what the city needs vs. leaning heavily toward one particular area over another. “With the new city administrator in place, the mayor can focus toward working with the council and the community developing multi-year strategic initiatives while remaining flexible enough to shift if unforeseen issues arise.”

How would like you to see the city of Artesia spend tax revenues for city services?

“Spend efficiently, within budget, but also proactively to ensure the workforce is properly staffed and equipped with the resources and training to not only do their jobs, but to do them with excellence.”

What can the City Council do to improve municipal services such as road maintenance for Artesia residents, especially those living in rural areas of the city?

“Every municipal provided service is competing for the same dollar. Because of that, projects such as road maintenance (which is very expensive) have to be thoroughly vetted incorporating data-driven decision making while including quality of life implications for our residents.”

Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 extension-2361.