New Mexico, the second-largest oil-producing state in the nation, derives over 40% of its state revenue from the oil and gas industry. Nearly half of the state’s energy workers are Latinos, primarily immigrants from the Permian Basin region.
Frontline immigrant workers carry out 12-16 hour shifts in extreme temperatures and dangerous conditions, with little or no access to health care, retirement, social security, unemployment, or other public benefits to weather the industry’s volatility. Alternative jobs and workforce development opportunities are extremely limited.
New Mexico stands at a crossroads. Experts predict peak oil production occurring in 10 to 12 years. As a result, the state must implement bold climate and economic policies to transition away from fossil fuel dependence. Somos is organizing to ensure immigrant oil and gas workers and our families are not left behind.