New Mexico politicians grapple with oil windfall from Iran war that's both 'awesome' and awkward

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

RIO RANCHO, N.M. (AP) — The global oil bottleneck in the Strait of Hormuz has generated an enviable — and politically sensitive — financial windfall on the other side of the world in New Mexico, a rare Democratic-dominated state where fossil fuels are a bedrock of progressive social services.

New Mexico produces more oil than any other state besides Texas, and the state’s revenue from taxes, royalties and lease sales helps cover the cost of college tuition, all school meals, health insurance and a new initiative for free universal child care.

Now that oil prices are surging from the conflict with Iran, money is flooding into the state treasury and creating an uncomfortable situation for Democrats who oppose the war and would rather reduce their reliance on fossil fuels.

“It’s hard for people to think about, ‘Oh great, we have this windfall,’ and children are getting killed on the other side of the world,” said Deb Haaland, the former U.S. Interior Department secretary running for governor.

https://apnews.com/article/new-mexico-strait-hormuz-oil-haaland-bregman-79d4fe226494eb79aca6b4bb92e5c6a0

[BadgerMom]

1. "...uncomfortable situation"?

It reads to me as Secy. Haaland acknowledging that this windfall isn’t the result of a good thing. It’s the result of war and death. That said, this war is fast-tracking alternative energy development in nations not controlled by monsters.

https://edition.cnn.com/2026/04/26/energy/china-clean-energy-exports-intl-hnk What does the Iran war mean for clean energy transition?
Sometimes people must find something good in the midst of something awful if possible.

It really seems the AP is trying to find a problem where none exists. Unfortunately, I’m not shocked by that.

But it’s good information. Thanks for posting.