New Mexico’s oil and fuel industry is about to play a leading role in state policy before the 2020 general election and the January 2021 legislative consultation that followed.
Even as the industry struggled to recover from historical losses caused by the COVID-19 fitness crisis, records show that oil and fuel corporations and similar equipment contributed thousands of dollars during the 2020 election cycle to political campaigns and other activities in New Mexico.
During the first era of crusader reports from the 2020 election, june 30 to September 7, the industry spent about $900,000 on political activities in the state, according to a recent New Mexico Ethics Watch report.
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During the two months, another 183 people related to oil and fuel contributed, according to the study, to some 500 that the organization met between 2017 and 2019.
Among similar contributions to the oil and fuel sector, approximately $564,000 was made in direct contributions to New Mexico candidates, committees or political action committees (APC), read in the study.
Another $211,000 was earned here from industry-related Americans, while oil and fuel PACs donated $86,000 and industry-related lobbying organizations donated about $31,000.
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Chevron Energy made one of the highest contributions among oil and fuel companies, according to the study, by giving about $388,000 directly or Chevron’s CSEs to state politicians, plus about $900,000 the company donated in June’s number one election.
Chevron’s contributions overshadowed other major advertising contributors, showing, along with other prominent donors, strata Production Company donating $36,000 and Jalapeno Corporation Array24,000.
Chevron basically gave Republicans, according to records, by donating $175,650, or 68% of his $258,000 in contributions from party candidates.
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Major gasoline stores Bowling Travel Center and Brewer Oil donated $19,000 and $15,000, respectively.
Across the industry, about $456,000, or 76% of the $603,000 of oil and fuel donated to candidates, went to Republican candidates for the study.
Kathleen Sabo, executive director of New Mexico Ethics Watch, said it is transparent that oil and fuel continue to have a strong influence on New Mexico politics even as the state faces an economic slowdown caused by the pandemic.
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“At a time when so many new Mexicans are suffering financially, it’s surprising to see that industries, such as oil and gas, still inject thousands of dollars into political campaigns,” Sabo said.
“While the pandemic has seriously slowed New Mexico’s economy, it seems that COVID-19 has not slowed the cash flow from the oil industry to the coffers of our politicians.
But state Sen. Gay Kernan (R-42) said the industry deserved to be heard in state decision-making because it is a key economic driving force in New Mexico.
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Kernan, who has been running without opposition for her position since 2002, was listed in the exam as one of the five most sensible candidates for oil and fuel contributions to the $17,000 song in the first era of reporting for the 2020 general election.
She joined the list through Isabella Solis, a Dona Ana County Republican who runs for District 37 of the New Mexico House with $27,000, Republican Robert Godshall running for The 27th District of the House who earned $25,000, Crystal Diamond who won the Republican Senate nomination and earned $22,325 and Giovanni Coppola ran for District 68 of the House and earned $20,500 from the house industry oil and fuel.
Kernan noted that more than 40% of the state budget comes from oil and gas, and argued that the industry’s desires be taken into account through lawmakers to maintain that strong income in New Mexico.
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“It’s to be heard because we want to continue with the oil and fuel industry in New Mexico,” Kernan said. “Everyone understands the profits generated. They affect all of New Mexico. “
Representing southeastern New Mexico counties such as Eddy and Lea, where the state’s oil and fuel operations are mainly concentrated, Kernan said, means telling the story of the state’s contributions to state extraction in public investments such as infrastructure and education.
“We are doing our best as representatives of the region to make our colleagues across the state perceive the industry,” he said.
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But the industry’s monetary contributions to its campaign, Kernan said, do mean it is indebted to the industry.
“I get contributions from corporations and industries, but I don’t help the serum they make,” he said. “In my opinion, we have no legal responsibility to do anything unless you are the most productive legislator possible. I’m just obliged to my constituents.
Without having to conduct a primary crusade because she faces no opposition in November, Kernan said her crusade budget would be used for other applicants who she said perceive the importance of oil and fuel and economic progression in the Southeast.
“In fact, I collected a smart amount of cash and used it for applicants in my area,” he said. “These are other people who perceive the price of oil and gas. It’s a big contribution to New Mexico. “
You can contact Adrian Hedden at 575-628-5516, achedden@currentargus. com or @AdrianHedden on Twitter.