Funding safeguards natural resources, creates jobs, and advances clean energy
SANTA FE – The New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department is calling on lawmakers to approve a $227.3 million budget to fund its operations for Fiscal Year 2026— an investment that will fuel job creation, protect public safety, and ensure responsible management of New Mexico's abundant natural resources.
"This budget is a blueprint for action—ensuring safe State Parks, empowering local workers, and driving New Mexico's clean-energy leadership," said EMNRD Secretary Designate Melanie Kenderdine. "It's about securing our state's future with real results."
Key initiatives in the budget proposal
Ensuring public safety in State Parks: Addressing salary gaps for park rangers, who are certified law enforcement officers, to enhance public safety.
Strengthening oil and gas oversight: Hiring petroleum engineers to accelerate drilling permits and enforce environmental protections, ensuring the state's energy sector thrives responsibly.
Fighting wildfires more effectively: Equipping new firefighting crews in Socorro and the Pecos region with essential tools and technology to protect communities from escalating wildfire risks.
Accelerating clean-energy progress: Expanding staff to manage the state's highly successful electric vehicle and solar tax credit programs and support geothermal energy development, positions New Mexico as a clean-energy leader.
Why this funding matters
Without additional resources, EMNRD faces challenges in retaining skilled staff, approving projects, and protecting New Mexico's environment. For example, additional staff is needed to support the state's application for Class VI primacy, which would allow the state, not the federal EPA, to oversee permits that protect our waters supplies in the carbon sequestration process. This change will fast-tract carbon capture initiatives, reducing emissions and boosting the economy—a key step toward achieving Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's ambitious climate change goals.
"Investing in clean energy and carbon capture drives job creation and economic growth while advancing our climate goals," said Rebecca "Puck" Stair, director of the Energy Conservation and Management Division. "This funding ensures we can keep pace with growing demands and unlocks new opportunities for New Mexico."
Call to Action
This budget proposal is an opportunity to secure a brighter future for New Mexico. By approving this budget, lawmakers can safeguard the environment, empower local communities, and position the state as a national leader in sustainability and innovation.
"Every dollar we invest today protects our land, people, and our economy tomorrow,"Kenderdine concluded. "We urge the legislature to support this funding for New Mexico's future."
