Awkward Alliance: Would New Mexico Governor Support Candidate’s Fracking Ban?

February 10, 2020

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has said she will “robustly” support the Democratic nominee for President. One question: how can she do that given their position on energy?

As voters get ready to cast their ballots in New Hampshire, there is no doubt the Democratic Presidential race will have a major impact on New Mexico. Will the Democratic Party nominate a candidate who wants to ban fracking?

Some of the frontrunners for the nomination, including Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren have already stated they plan to outright ban fracking if elected. Other candidates like Joe Biden and Michael Bloomberg are clear they also plan to go after energy workers in states like New Mexico.

These positions may play well in New York City or San Francisco, but in New Mexico where the energy industry delivers nearly 40 percent of the state budget, an anti-energy agenda would be devastating.

Given the situation, it’s easy to understand why New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham is withholding her endorsement of her party’s 2020 candidates.  The New Mexico Governor has also told the press she will seek a waiver to continue fracking if a ban comes out of Washington.

It all points to an awkward alliance for Governor Lujan Grisham. And no doubt New Mexicans look to see if she’ll support her party’s nominee or her own state.