American Oil and Gas Reporter - September 2023 - 46

always has been a big part of the communities
in which I have lived, and I understand
its importance to the state, " she
says. " As a contract lobbyist, I had several
oil and gas clients and was fortunate to
work with several trade groups, including
NMOGA.
" Before that, I worked for the Economic
Development Corp. of Lea County,
N.M., " she continues. " That really showed
me the importance of both the industry
and of a strong trade association. NMOGA
is celebrating its 95th year, and we are
very proud of the fact that we are the
state's longest-existing trade group and
want that legacy to continue. I am incredibly
proud and humbled that the
Board of Directors chose me. "
Much as Currier was attracted to the
NMOGA job, Young says, the board was
drawn to Currier's talent, experience and
charisma. " She absolutely came across
as a very dynamic person with strong
regulatory and governmental lobbying
skills, " Young describes. " We were very
impressed with her knowledge and abilities.
She is an eager beaver who is going
to run 90 miles an hour, and we are not
going to be able to keep up with her-
though I will run right behind her. She
already has impressed all of us. "
Currier indicates her preceding career
has helped her establish and grow relationships
and opportunities across the
state. " NMOGA seems like a very natural
fit that not only will allow me to utilize
those connections to better industry opportunities,
but to continue to grow those
relationships and expand our story, " she
envisions. " I hope to find ways to partner
with our fellow trades and, as the political
landscape continues to change, to strongly
represent and celebrate our members. "
Legislative Developments
According to Currier, the 2023 New
Mexico Legislature was a decent session
for the oil and gas industry, as well as business
in general. " Some things passed that
definitely concern New Mexico small businesses,
but overall, the business community
worked exceptionally well together to protect
not only oil and gas's license to operate,
but business in general, " she assesses. " We
hope that continues going forward. "
Currier offers significant kudos to House
Minority Leader T. Ryan Lane, R-Aztec,
and Speaker Javier Martinez, D-Albuquerque.
" Collectively, those two set a
congenial tone in the House, " she affirms.
" We also applaud the moderate Democrats
in the Senate who were willing to come to
the table and take tough votes to ensure
business can continue to operate. "
Young points out that revenue from
the oil and gas industry accounts for
more than 40% of the state's general
fund and state land trust fund. And thanks
in large part to a thriving Permian Basin,
lawmakers enjoyed a $5.4 billion surplus
in 2023. " Much of the revenue we provide
goes toward education, " she observes.
" Our industry is passionate about educating
New Mexico's children to help them become
good workers and taxpayers. "
" It was New Mexico's largest budget
ever, " Currier notes. " Unless something
catastrophic happens, we anticipate even
higher numbers next year, thanks to the
oil and gas industry. The 30-day session
in 2024 may provide legislators with more
money than they know what to do with. "
Currier notes that 30-day sessions require
lawmakers to focus only on the
budget and any issues raised by gubernatorial
call. Nevertheless, NMOGA predicts
oil and gas matters will surface during
next year's abbreviated session. " Some
legislative conversations are likely to
affect our industry, both negatively and
positively, " Currier says. " We already are
working closely with the cabinet secretaries,
as well as member companies and
Print
It's Classy.
Organized.
Vibrant and
Inspirational.
Please support the industry's
associations and media.
46 THE AMERICAN OIL & GAS REPORTER
http://www.aogr.com
American Oil and Gas Reporter - September 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of American Oil and Gas Reporter - September 2023
