CARLSBAD — Conservative lawmakers defended the oil and gas business during a visit Oct. 30 to oil-rich southeast New Mexico while criticizing Democrats for perceived attacks on the industry through tightened regulations intended to mitigate environmental impacts.

The discussion came during the opening session of a two-day meeting of the Legislature’s interim Water and Natural Resources Committee, held Oct. 29-30 in Artesia.

The meeting, one of a series of such events being held around the state, was intended to allow lawmakers to gauge local needs and debate issues in devising legislation that could be introduced during the 2026 legislative session convening in January 2026.

The Water and Natural Resource Committee previously held meetings in Las Cruces, Las Vegas and Santa Fe.

The com

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