During the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee’s confirmation hearing for Energy Secretary nominee Chris Wright, Senator Martin Heinrich of New Mexico asserted that the state has achieved “affordable and reliable” energy. This statement has drawn criticism, given the significant rise in energy costs experienced by New Mexicans in recent years.
Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicates that residential electricity prices in New Mexico have increased notably. In 2019, the average retail price was approximately 9.47 cents per kilowatt-hour. By 2023, this figure had risen to 11.22 cents per kilowatt-hour, representing an increase of over 18%. This upward trend has placed a financial strain on many residents, with more than 25% of New Mexicans reportedly struggling to pay their energy bills.
Furthermore, statistics indicate that New Mexico energy prices are up over 60% since 2019, with the latest Census data showing more than one out of four New Mexicans struggle to pay their energy bill.
Critics argue that policies such as New Mexico’s Energy Transition Act (ETA), also known as the state’s Green New Deal, aimed at shifting the state towards renewable energy sources, have contributed to these rising costs. The ETA, enacted in 2019, sets ambitious goals for renewable energy adoption, including a transition to 100% carbon-free electricity by 2045.
While the act aims to promote environmental sustainability, opponents contend that the associated costs of infrastructure development and the phasing out of coal-fired power plants have been passed on to consumers, leading to higher utility bills.
The confirmation hearing for Chris Wright, Liberty Energy’s CEO and Secretary of Energy’s nominee, also featured discussions on the nation’s energy policies. Wright emphasized the importance of an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy, advocating for the expansion of nuclear power, liquefied natural gas (LNG) production, and the strengthening of the electrical grid to meet rising demand.
The hearing was not without contention. Senator Heinrich, along with other Democrat committee members, grandstanded over the expedited scheduling of the hearing, citing delays in receiving Wright’s financial and ethics disclosure forms, although Wright’s personal wealth, which is estimated at around $200 million, must take much deliberate accounting to properly report to the Committee.
However, Heinrich’s comments downplaying New Mexicans’ struggles to afford energy in their homes and businesses rings insensitive, especially as Heinrich is reportedly considering running for the governorship in 2026, likely facing off against Joe Biden’s outgoing Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and possibly Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman.
He is an excellent source of what’s wrong in America, he has done nothing that improves our state.
I hope all New Mexicans struggling to pay their energy bills remember this when he runs for Governor. He will do nothing for us.
You know that won’t happen as the controlling regime, the socialist party aka democrats, vote for any idiot that has a “D” after their name without any thought, just vote as the “party” tells them as good little sheepeople
I agree his is of no value to our state or our nation; however, as long as their is a D on the ballot , he will run and their are those that will just vote him. It’s too bad that if he runs for governor and loses he still has his chusy job in Washington thanks to those individuals who don’t read about what he is doing.
I so agree…
Why do Democrats lie thinking we don’t know the facts? Opps this is New Mexico.
thanks for the chuckle. but it’s the truth.
They DEPEND on the Dominion voting machines.
As for Green energy ANYTHING; and the multitudes of lies supporting it; well, as the saying goes,
“I am ALWAYS disappointed when a liar’s pants don’t actually catch on fire”!
Many of our (R)’s are raking in tons of money on the “largest windfarm in the Western Hemisphere. Goes through my area. Electric rates up due to ‘somebody has to pay those landowners for the turbines; let’s shove it onto the people we “represent”.
As for property values, due to living in this crap,down is what happens PERIOD.
How would he know what energy cost are in NM, he’s lived in Maryland since being elected
That fact should have him eliminated from being Senator and removed from office.
These confirmation hearings are opportunities for elected officials to grandstand. Heinrich knows the majority of low information democrats wont challenge him.
I cringe when a Democratic turn comes up to interview the cabinet member to-be. They are clueless on the important issues/questions that we need resolve on..
I have never seen so much egotistical behavior in a hearing…that includes Hinny. New Mexicans please educate yourselves before the next run for governor regardless of your party affiliation. We need change PRONTO.
And the democraps are so rude and interrupt answers to their stupid questions. I see so much hatred and anger in them and they think that we care what the democraps think.
Their questions don’t have anything to do with the position of the appointee.
Hiney-lick needs to shut up until he can discuss reality. He hasn’t been honest about his residence, let alone anything he says about New Mexico. He DOES NOT represent New Mexico!
Heinrich doesn’t even live here. He lives in Maine. He is a lier and should not be our governor. We will just get more of the same if gets elected. Dumber kids and poorer people!
The list of potential candidates for governor is terrifying. None of them would be good for New Mexico. Conservatives need a strong candidate.
Pray for a strong conservative candidate for governor of New Mexico, I prayed that MAGA would succeed…my prayers were answered.
Okay, will do. We need MANMGA here; except I can’t really remember when we’ve been great. We’ve certainly been better in the past.
Lets get Manny Gonzales to run on the Republican ticket.
Drill, baby, drill.
Heinrich started a free magazine called New Mexico Wild. It is in all of our state’s libraries. Taxpayers pay for this slanted narrative of green energy and wildlife “preservation”.
As a WIldlife Biologist with 50 years in the field; wildlife flourishes best through directed management. Preservation can actually lead to extinction- no matter how many taxpayer dollars are thrown at it.
New Mexico Wild! also trolls for donations and is listed as a 501c3. Those soy boys and girls on the staff make great money.
Last month’s issue had a glowing interview with Heinrich. He definitely wants to be governor. It will be easy pickings for the Senator from Maryland. It will be continued rape for us.
Don’t fall for his commie eco-nut stance.
I’ve heard or read enough from this man to convince me there’s something wrong with him.
this guy is so full of it, it’s not even funny. who votes for idiot’s like this. Don’t go away mad just go away Marty.
And the stupidity continues with all the democraps and their lies and wasting money….