2025 News Releases
Commissioner Garcia Richard, Affordable Solar Break Ground on First Community Solar Project on State Lands
SANTA FE, N.M. – New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard and Affordable Solar celebrated the first community solar project on state lands at a groundbreaking ceremony in Valencia County yesterday. The array that Affordable Solar will develop...
State Land Office Named a National Top Workplace by USA TODAY for the Second Year
SANTA FE, N.M. – USA Today has announced that the New Mexico State Land Office has won a Top Workplaces USA award for midsize organizations (with between 150-499 employees) for the second year in a row. Over 2,220 organizations participated in anonymous employee...
Bill to Increase Top Oil and Gas Royalty Rate on N.M. State Lands Passes House Appropriations
SANTA FE, N.M. – Legislation pushed by New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard to increase the top royalty rate offered for new oil and gas development on the best state lands passed the House Appropriations and Finance Committee today. Senate...
Commissioner Garcia Richard Bans Mineral Development on State Lands in Upper Pecos Watershed
SANTA FE, N.M. – New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard today issued an executive order banning mining on state lands in the Upper Pecos Watershed. The order, which goes into effect immediately and expires on December 31, 2045, would prohibit...
Bill to Increase Top Oil and Gas Royalty Rate Offered on N.M. State Lands Passes House Committee
SANTA FE, N.M. – Legislation pushed by New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard to increase the top royalty rate offered for new oil and gas development on the best state lands passed the House Energy, Environment & Natural Resources...
Commissioner Garcia Richard Approves Six New Community Solar Projects
SANTA FE, N.M. – New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard has executed long-term leases for six new community solar projects to be constructed on state lands. Leases for the projects were awarded to the highest bidders at public auctions held...
Commissioner Garcia Richard Wins Luminaria Award from Conservation Voters New Mexico
SANTA FE, N.M. – New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard is the recipient of the 2025 Luminaria Award presented by the nonprofit organization Conservation Voters New Mexico (CVNM). The annual award recognizes pro-conservation champions in New...
Legislation to Raise New Mexico’s Top Oil and Gas Royalty Rate on State Lands Passes First Committee
SANTA FE, N.M. – Legislation pushed by New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard to increase the top royalty rate charged for new oil and gas development on the best state lands from 20% to the market rate of 25% cleared its first hurdle today....
Commissioner Garcia Richard Again Pushes Legislature to Increase Top Oil and Gas Royalty Rate on New Mexico State Lands
New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard is again urging the legislature to increase the top royalty rate charged for new oil and gas development on state lands from 20% to the market rate of 25%. The legislation, which has been pre-filed by...
Commissioner Garcia Richard Partners with Department of Defense, New Mexico Land Conservancy to Protect Chupadera Mesa
New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard today announced that she has entered into a partnership with the United States Department of Defense and the New Mexico Land Conservancy to protect over 60,000 acres of state trust land covering portions...