FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 7th, 2022
Contact: Billy Gribbin
Rep. Herrell Hosts Congressional Western Caucus in New Mexico
ALBUQUERQUE – Congresswoman Yvette Herrell (R-N.M.) this week hosted members of the Congressional Western Caucus in New Mexico to learn about New Mexico industries, tour research and development sights, and set a course for affordable and abundant American energy. The Western Caucus is the premiere bipartisan organization advocating for rural policy issues throughout the West, including over 60 members of Congress.

“I’ve been honored to host my colleagues in the Congressional Western Caucus as we planned to unlock low cost, American-made energy from bureaucratic red tape" said Rep. Herrell. "New Mexicans deserve good jobs and an affordable cost of living, and America deserves energy independence and excellence—we have the bountiful natural resources to deliver this great future, cleaner than anywhere else in the world.”

“The energy industry in New Mexico embodies exactly why the Western Caucus supports American energy production,” said Chairman Newhouse. “By developing oil and gas right here at home, energy producers are strengthening our national security and ensuring that rural communities can thrive. The people of New Mexico’s Second Congressional District could not have a stronger advocate than Representative Herrell, and I am proud to join her in defending their way of life.”
 
The Members participated in a policy roundtable featuring panelists who discussed the importance of domestic energy production, clean energy advancements within the oil and gas industry, and the important role energy production plays in New Mexico’s economy. The lawmakers, congressional staff, and stakeholders toured the New Mexico Natural Gas Technical Training Facility to learn how New Mexico is preparing the future energy workforce and Sandia National Laboratories to see how scientists and researchers in the Land of Enchantment are developing cutting-edge drilling and clean energy technologies.

For more information on the Western Caucus visit to New Mexico, watch the exclusive report by KOAT 7 Action News.

Rep. Herrell's Western Caucus colleagues wrote a piece for the Albuquerque Journal (reprinted below) about her work for the Second District and the plan to build a strong and prosperous future for the families of New Mexico.

It’s no secret American oil and gas is under attack by the Biden administration and Democrats in Congress, but in the West, we understand that energy production is the foundation for our way of life and provides for the economic and energy security of America.

As members of the Congressional Western Caucus, a group of nearly 80 members of Congress who advocate for common-sense energy and natural resources policies in our nation’s capital, we understand the impacts decisions made by the federal government have on rural communities throughout the United States. Perhaps nowhere is this more evident right now than here in New Mexico.

From diverse landscapes and a rich tribal heritage to severe drought and massive swaths of public lands, there is no shortage of federal presence in the Land of Enchantment. New Mexico is also at the forefront of ensuring the American people – and our allies abroad – have access to reliable, affordable energy.

Rep. Yvette Herrell, who serves as a vice chair of the Western Caucus, invited us to her district to see this region and hear from her constituents firsthand.

As the Biden administration seeks to limit or eliminate oil and gas production on federal lands, it is increasingly apparent that – while all of the United States feels the impacts of a weakened energy supply chain, from rising gas prices to rolling blackouts – New Mexico’s challenges will be even further exasperated.

In fact, with approximately 40% of the state’s budget deriving from oil and gas revenues, New Mexicans – particularly those in the 2nd Congressional District – play a critical role in both strengthening our nation’s energy security and ensuring a robust economy for the state.

This week, we are in New Mexico to hear about the state’s energy sector directly. In addition to learning about collaborative land management and locally-led conservation, we will be meeting with local energy producers, visiting the New Mexico Natural Gas Technical Training Facility, and touring Sandia National Laboratories.

Thanks to assistance from the incredible research and innovation occurring at our nation’s research institutions like Sandia, investments by energy companies to ensure the United States is the global leader in emissions reduction, and rural communities’ strong dedication to a healthy environment, the men and women of the U.S. energy industry produce the cleanest oil and natural gas in the world.

We know this production not only benefits our allies around the globe, but it ensures that local communities have funding for infrastructure projects, public schools and public safety initiatives. It is these stories that are far too often ignored in the energy discussion, and it is these stories we want to take back to Washington, D.C.

From day one of her freshman term, Rep. Herrell has worked to lift the voices of local governments and school districts across the state in the face of budget uncertainty stemming from the administration’s attack on domestic production. She has utilized her role as vice ranking member on the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources to step up as a champion for New Mexico’s interests in Congress.

While Western Caucus members have advocated for strong domestic energy production because it is critical for our national security, we also recognize it is these communities – in New Mexico and throughout rural America – who will suffer most if the far left achieves its goal of eliminating the oil and gas industry and perpetuating the Green New Deal agenda.

Rep. Herrell has worked tirelessly to defend the way of life in her district, ensure the voices of New Mexicans are heard and unleash American energy dominance. We are proud to join her, in her district, to do the same.

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