Oil billionaire T. Boone Pickens and New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez were the two headlining speakers of the summit, each sharing their thoughts about the current state of the oil industry.
“New Mexico is one of the most energy-rich and energy-diverse states in the nation, and we have an excellent opportunity to utilize this position to grow our economy and create more jobs”, Martinez said in a prepared statement.
Later in the afternoon, the governor also will unveil a new campaign to raise public awareness and improve road safety in Southeast New Mexico.
The governor recommended a broad array of strategies and policies that includes traditional fossil fuels, such as oil, natural gas and coal, and renewables, such as wind and solar, and new technologies, such as “small modular reactors”, to harness nuclear energy.
“I applaud the administration for taking a balanced, practical look at the future and for trying to meld everything together in a comprehensive way”, said New Mexico Oil and Gas Association President Steve Henke.
Martinez, also at the summit, unveiled a new state energy plan that will embraces the energy industry and all of the sources it produces. It will promote all sources of energy to help boost our state’s bottom line.
The plan makes recommendations for how New Mexico can become a leader nationally in water conservation by using non-potable water in energy production and exploring opportunities to recycle water.
“By building upon our state’s current renewable portfolio standard, we have the opportunity to adopt a low-carbon portfolio standard that would dramatically improve our air quality by stimulating production of all types of low-carbon, cleaner energy resources”, Martinez said. Others will need legislative approval, and many initiatives will require interagency involvement among state and federal entities.
Improving Energy Workforce Training at Higher Education Institutions – The energy sector has growing workforce demands that range from highly skilled to entry-level positions. Recommendations include encouraging colleges and universities to align their curricula with core energy workforce needs and supporting college training programs in applied energy technologies.
The largest attendance yet was recorded for the third annual Southeastern New Mexico Mayor’s Energy Summit on Monday at the Walter Gerrell’s Art and Exhibition Center.
More than a year in the making, the plan stems from a series of listening sessions.
“Energy produced in New Mexico is not only essential to powering our daily lives – it also provides essential revenue that supports our schools, hospitals, local governments, and communities”, said David Martin, Secretary of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department.
“There is absolutely no reason why the United States of America should be so reliant on another nation for our energy resources”, Martinez said. But the plan cautions that all forms of energy development have effects, and steps need to be taken to protect public health – from groundwater testing to reducing venting and flaring in oil and gas operations.