Jobs Could be Lost Across New Mexico

Washington, D.C., and Albuquerque, NM, October 1, 2015

Today, the President and Founder of the New Mexico Business Coalition, Carla J. Sonntag, National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) President and CEO Jay Timmons and Neenah Enterprises, Inc. President and CEO and NAM Small and Medium Manufacturers Group Chair Tom Riordan, who represent manufacturers and business across the United States and New Mexico issued the following statements on the Environmental Protection Agency’s new ozone regulation:

Study Confirms That More Citizens Are Concerned with Economic Harm of Increasing Federal Regulations Than Environmental Benefit

Washington, D.C., September 15, 2015 – According to a poll released by New Mexico Business Coalition (NMBC) and the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), 75 percent of New Mexicans rate their air quality as “excellent” or “good,” and 69 percent consider the decline in economic growth and job opportunities caused by regulations as a greater problem for their hometown than air quality. The poll was conducted to gauge public opinion in New Mexico as the federal government considers the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed ozone rule.

A local debate over the future operations of the coal-fired San Juan Generating Stations near Farmington, New Mexico has been the center of discussion on renewable energy versus fossil fuels. President Carla Sonntag of the coalition stated the need for a constructive conversation involving compromise but the opposing side is taking on an all-or-nothing approach.

In Farmington, New Mexico on August 18, 2015, protestors lined the gates of Merrion Oil and Gas, as members of the New Mexico Business Coalition met at a summit about fossil fuel opposition.