Oil & Gas Lease Fight; New-Look Legislature

New Mexico in Focus (A Production of NMPBS)

Lou DiVizio introduces the show with some headlines from around the state.

Then, State Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard tells Lou why she chose to hold off on selling the state's most valuable oil and gas leases until officials lock in a higher royalty rate than the office is charging now. Reactions to her decision have been mixed and Lou asks the commissioner to respond to remarks from her critics and from the governor.

The Legislature is in for a big shakeup after the November election. There are currently 19 open legislative seats — 12 held by Republicans, and the other seven by Democrats. Former state senator Dede Feldman sits down with Lou to discuss just how competitive these races will be this fall.

Host: Lou DiVizio

Segments:

State Land Commissioner on Decision to Halt Lease Sales on Oil-Rich Land

Correspondent: Lou DiVizio

Guest: Stephanie Garcia Richard, NM State Land Commissioner

Analyzing the State Legislature Seats Up for Grabs this Fall

Correspondent: Lou DiVizio

Guest: Dede Feldman, Democratic Former NM State Senator

For More Information:

New Mexico halts some oil-field lease sales in standoff over royalty rates in Permian Basin – Associated Press

New Mexico GOP mulls next steps as House, Senate leaders announce exits – Santa Fe New Mexican

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