Martin Heinrich

If we create a faster, more predictable permitting process, we can unlock investment and make it easier to build and expand manufacturing and energy projects, creating good-paying jobs in New Mexico and across the country. Today I spoke with Jay Timmons from @ShopFloorNAM about why it’s so important to get permitting reform across the finish line.

Heinrich: “I am deeply concerned by reports that recent drawdowns of the SPR could damage the salt caverns that hold millions of barrels of America’s emergency crude” WASHINGTON — Last week, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, pressed U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Chris Wright to disclose information on the operational safety and structural integrity of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), which has been depleted to under 300 million barrels of emergency inventory due to Trump’s war with Iran. Repeated drawdowns can harm salt caverns where millions of barrels of the SPR’s crude are stored, and the SPR’s current historically low levels put U.S. energy and economic security at grave risk. In the midst of further shocks, the U.S. will not have SPR capacity to spare which could cause gasoline and diesel prices to rise even further. The SPR was created in 1975 to reduce the impact of petroleum supply disruptions on Americans and is designed to hold nearly 714 million barrels, making it a valuable energy security measure and national security asset in times of crisis. The SPR currently holds 283.8 million barrels of emergency inventory — the lowest it’s been since 1982 — following Trump’s authorized release of 172 million barrels at the start of the Iran war. “In April, I wrote to you to express concern regarding the administration’s ill-advised decision to enter into a war with Iran. I asked you about the Department’s preparedness before the Trump administration launched its war in Iran, including if the Department conducted any analysis related to potential SPR releases. The Department failed to substantively respond to my questions,” Heinrich began. “I am deeply concerned by reports that recent drawdowns of the SPR could damage the salt caverns that hold millions of barrels of America’s emergency crude,” Heinrich continued. In his letter, Heinrich specifically demanded information on analyses and reviews conducted regarding the impact and consequences of drawing down the SPR. He also presses DOE to disclose a list of maintenance projects underway, schedule of exchange returns, copy of the contract for the new SPR Operator and all documents from the transition documenting the current state of SPR, all buyers and amounts sold from the SPR in 2026, potential new cavern sites analyzed by DOE for future development, backlog maintenance projects for SPR as currently pending, and the contract and all audits performed by the current DOE Auditor for the SPR and any sale of oil activities. “As our energy demand increases, we need to ensure the SPR is properly maintained, fully operational, and can be counted on when supply is constrained,” Heinrich concluded. Read the full text of the letter here and below: Secretary Wright: I write to request information regarding the operational safety and structural integrity of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). In April, I wrote to you to express concern regarding the Administration’s ill-advised decision to enter into a war with Iran. I asked you about the Department’s preparedness before the Trump administration launched its war in Iran, including if the Department conducted any analysis related to potential SPR releases. The Department failed to substantively respond to my questions. I am deeply concerned by reports that recent drawdowns of the SPR could damage the salt caverns that hold millions of barrels of America’s emergency crude. In 1975, Congress created the SPR to reduce the impact of petroleum supply disruptions on Americans. The SPR is not only an energy security measure, but a national security asset in times of crisis. It is designed to hold nearly 714 million barrels. For the first time in over 40 years, however, the SPR has now reportedly dropped to under 300 million barrels of emergency inventory. In March, weeks after the U.S. entered into war with Iran, President Trump authorized the release of 172 million barrels from the SPR. As a result of that drawdown, the SPR currently sits at 283.8 million barrels—the lowest level since 1982. The SPR is expected to dip below 250 million barrels once the drawdown concludes. Some analysts have suggested that depleting the SPR to less than 300 million barrels risks damage to the salt caverns. In a June 2026 report, the Government Accountability Office found that “[r]epeated partial drawdowns followed by refill can leach a single part of a cavern repeatedly, leading to undesirable shapes.” The same report warned that the SPR is at risk of failing to safeguard the U.S. from severe petroleum supply disruptions. In response to the ongoing war in Iran and the consequences of draining vital energy inventories crucial to U.S. energy and national security, I am introducing legislation that mandates long-term planning for the SPR and limits non-emergency SPR sales to avoid further operational inefficiencies, including straining aging infrastructure during ongoing capital projects. To better understand DOE’s current management of the SPR, I request that you provide the following information by October 23, 2026: Since January 20, 2025, all Department analysis and reviews conducted to understand the impact and consequences of drawdowns of the SPR to the operational safety and structural integrity of the SPR. Since January 20, 2025, all Department analysis and reviews conducted to understand the impact and consequences of drawing down the SPR below 300 million barrels. Since January 20, 2025, all Department analysis and reviews conducted to understand the operational minimum of the SPR. A current and complete list of all major maintenance projects underway or scheduled over the next 10 years. A current and complete list and schedule of exchange returns, including premium barrels, as part of the March 2026 release. A copy of the new contract with the new SPR Operator and all documents on the handoff to the new contractor documenting the current state of the SPR and any related inspections at this time by either party. A list of all buyers and amounts sold from the SPR in 2026. A list of all potential new cavern sites analyzed by the DOE for future development. A list of the backlog of maintenance projects for the SPR as currently pending. A copy of the contract and all audits performed by the current DOE Auditor for the SPR and any sale of oil activities. Thank you for your prompt attention to this request. As our energy demand increases, we need to ensure the SPR is properly maintained, fully operational, and can be counted on when supply is constrained. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact my staff at (202) 224-4971. Sincerely,

Since time immemorial, Native people have called the land we now know as New Mexico and the United States home. Their histories and legacy deserve enormous respect. That is why I am proud to continue leading the effort in the Senate to mark the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. I have the honor of working with the 23 Tribes and Pueblos in New Mexico, as well as with Tribal Nations across Indian Country. What I hear from Tribal leaders is consistent and clear: the federal government must step up and uphold its treaty and trust responsibilities, respect Tribal sovereignty, and stop attacking the programs and resources that Tribal members rely on. I wholeheartedly agree. As we recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day, today and every day, let us honor the rich history, cultures, and contributions of Tribal Nations and Native people — and stand shoulder to shoulder with Tribes to ensure their languages, traditions, and cultures continue to be passed down to future generations.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) led the introduction of a resolution to recognize the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day, celebrating the rich histories, unique cultures, and lasting contributions of Indigenous Peoples across the United States. The resolution also supports the official designation of Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a federal holiday. Indigenous Peoples' Day is currently celebrated on the second Monday of October in over 200 municipalities and 17 states, including New Mexico. “Since time immemorial, Native people have called the land we now know as New Mexico and the United States home. Their histories and legacy deserve enormous respect. That is why I am proud to continue leading the effort in the Senate to mark the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. “I have the honor of working with the 23 Tribes and Pueblos in New Mexico, as well as with Tribal Nations across Indian Country. What I hear from Tribal leaders is consistent and clear: the federal government must step up and uphold its treaty and trust responsibilities, respect Tribal sovereignty, and stop attacking the programs and resources that Tribal members rely on. I wholeheartedly agree. “As we recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day, today and every day, let us honor the rich history, cultures, and contributions of Tribal Nations and Native people — and stand shoulder to shoulder with Tribes to ensure their languages, traditions, and cultures continue to be passed down to future generations.” The resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Angus King (I-Maine), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.). The resolution is endorsed by the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), Pueblo of Acoma, Alaska Federation of Natives, National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH), Navajo Nation, All Pueblo Council of Governors (APCG).

As someone who has watched elk tags grow harder and harder to get for the people who live and work in New Mexico, I applaud the AG and hope the legislature will level the playing field.

You shouldn’t have to pay for AI data centers. The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act will hold data centers accountable for their grid costs and lower utility bills for families. https://t.co/zgYYe5Arhq

Labor, energy producers, and nonprofits voice strong support for Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act WASHINGTON – Since four Senators from across the political spectrum introduced their Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act last week, a broad coalition of labor leaders, energy producers, and nonprofits has voiced support for the permitting reform plan, noting that it will deliver cheaper energy, more jobs, and responsible growth. The legislation was drafted by U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Mike Lee (R-Utah), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairwoman of the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act delivers cheaper energy, more well-paying jobs, and responsible growth by accelerating the permitting and construction of critical energy and infrastructure projects while maintaining key environmental and historic preservation safeguards. The legislation provides greater certainty for projects that have already been permitted and financed, including by preventing future administrations from arbitrarily blocking entire classes of energy projects, while establishing clear timelines for environmental reviews and legal challenges. It also includes targeted reforms to expand and modernize the electric grid, speed the development of geothermal and other energy projects, and ensure that rapidly growing data centers pay the full cost of their associated transmission needs rather than passing those costs on to families and small businesses. The legislation reflects input from members of Congress on both sides of the aisle and a diverse group of stakeholders. The bill text is available here. Labor “For LIUNA, the key consideration is whether a permitting package will translate to good union jobs, with prevailing wages and robust apprenticeship opportunities. S.5653 exceeds those standards while maintaining proper regulations and safeguards that protect both our members on the job as well as the local communities in which projects take place. Moreover, it will lower energy costs for all Americans at a time when prices of everyday living expenses are at an all-time high,” said Brent Booker, LIUNA General President. “For more than a decade LIUNA has testified before Congress, submitted comments, participated in roundtables, and endorsed numerous iterations of permitting bills only to see every effort and attempt fail in final hours of the congressional calendar. Congress has another opportunity to get this done. We urge lawmakers in both parties to seize this moment, pass the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026, and finally deliver meaningful permitting reform. It is time to stop making permitting reform the Groundhog Day of Congress.” “In our industry, uncertainty means one thing: unemployment. It is long past time that Congress enacts meaningful permitting reform to put UA members to work faster delivering reliable and affordable energy to American communities. Today’s announcement is the culmination of a long process to reach a bipartisan deal and take a critical step towards a long-overdue modernization of our country’s permitting process. This bipartisan legislation, led by Chairs Lee and Capito and Ranking Members Heinrich and Whitehouse, will increase project certainty, streamline federal review timelines, and create thousands of good-paying jobs – all while maintaining reasonable environmental safeguards and opportunities for public input. The UA looks forward to continuing our work with members of both parties in the Senate to advance this critical legislation and with all members in the House to ultimately pass it into law,” said Mark McManus, United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA) General President. “We have seen too many projects unnecessarily delayed for years through litigation, and other projects abandoned by contractors or terminated by the federal government because of our nation’s antiquated permitting process. As a result, thousands of good-paying union jobs have been lost, and taxpayers have been deprived of safer infrastructure and more affordable energy,” said John L. Downey, General President of the International Union of Operating Engineers. “Passage of the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act will result in building energy transmission capacity faster, delivering more energy to the grid, creating greater certainty for projects permitted and financed across administrations, and setting clear deadlines for environmental reviews. These reforms will put thousands of Operating Engineers to work, along with other highly skilled crafts people, while making energy more affordable and reliable for American families.” Nonprofits “If America is going to meaningfully reduce our emissions and truly address climate change, we need to connect much more clean energy to the grid,” said Rick Bradley, Citizens Climate Lobby’s Executive Director. “This bill will make remarkable, rapid progress toward that goal. We’re proud to endorse it, and we’re excited to mobilize our grassroots volunteers in full support.” “For decades, the Club for Growth has championed deregulation and permitting reform. We commend President Trump and Senate leaders for moving this agreement forward with legislative text. These reforms are critical to expanding American energy production and lowering energy costs for families and businesses. Excessive regulation has constrained production and contributed to higher costs for American consumers. We urge the Senate and House to act swiftly and pass these important permitting reforms,” said David McIntosh, President for Club for Growth. “The Climate Leadership Council is encouraged by progress on the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act. Council analysis projects U.S. electricity demand to grow nearly 60% by 2050, and meeting that demand will require building energy infrastructure faster than our current system allows. Permitting reform is essential to keep pace with the demands of a modern economy, and the energy infrastructure it unlocks is what drives clean energy deployment and innovation. CLC looks forward to continued engagement with stakeholders and policymakers as the bill moves forward,” said Erin Alejandre, Director of Policy at the Climate Leadership Council. “On behalf of grassroots activists across the country, we strongly applaud the introduction of the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act (BAAJA). Your work over much of this Congress to negotiate the details and make a bipartisan package a reality is a major step forward for the American people and for our energy, technological, and national future,” said Brent Gardner, Chief Government Affairs Officer at Americans for Prosperity. “After years of working toward this goal, lawmakers from both parties have reached a deal to fix the broken system that keeps America from building the power plants and power lines that would bring costs down. This is a huge bipartisan win at a moment when our politics has made wins like this rare,” said Derek Kaufman, President of Inclusive Abundance Action. “Families are paying too much for electricity because new energy projects wait years on government reviews, then years more in court, and even once they clear, partisan politics can still take them out. That scarcity is a choice. Today, Congress is choosing differently.” “The need for reform is one of the few things Republicans and Democrats agree on, and these Senate leaders have translated that consensus into a comprehensive, bipartisan bill. Permitting reform cannot wait, and the time to act is now,” said Michele Stockwell, President of Bipartisan Policy Center Action. “BPC Action has long argued that durable permitting reform must be bipartisan, technology-neutral, and maintain strong environmental standards. We urge swift action and look forward to working with members of both parties to get this bill to the president’s desk this Congress.” “Pacific Legal Foundation strongly supports the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026,” said John Nagle, Federal Policy Manager at Pacific Legal Foundation. “Americans should not have to navigate years of costly and unpredictable government processes simply to build a home, develop new energy resources, or create the infrastructure our communities need. Reforming our permitting system is essential to removing unnecessary government barriers that delay projects, drive up costs, and discourage investment. We encourage Congress to move quickly to pass this bill to lower costs for Americans, protect property rights, and restore America’s ability to build.” “Today, one of America’s most important supply lines is its electric grid, and we are not building it fast enough to meet the moment. Our military installations depend on the same civilian grid as every American household. When a transmission line takes a decade or more to approve, that is not just an economic problem. It is a strategic vulnerability, and our adversaries are not waiting years to build. This bill addresses that vulnerability. It sets firm deadlines on environmental reviews, speeds approvals for the transmission lines and power projects the country needs, and gives the federal government tools to move interstate power lines forward when they stall. Just as important, it ensures that once a project is permitted, no administration can revoke it for political reasons. At the same time, it preserves the government's ability to act in the face of a genuine safety or national security threat, and it keeps reasonable environmental safeguards and opportunities for public input in place. That kind of certainty matters for every form of American energy, including the clean energy that will power our future. The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act is pro-union and pro-veteran,” said Major General Paul D. Eaton, U.S. Army (Ret.), Senior Advisor at VoteVets. “[The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act] is better than I could have expected. Sens. Capito (R-W.Va.), Heinrich (D-N.M.), Lee (R-Utah), and Whitehouse (D-R.I.) negotiated a compromise bill where each side got real, meaningful wins. This bill would fix our permitting processes so that we can review and build efficiently, reducing costs, improving quality of life, growing our economy, and improving economic outcomes. It’s truly a win-win. I’m optimistic that this incredible bill can be signed into law this year,” said Xan Fishman, Vice President, Energy, Bipartisan Policy Center. “Permitting reform has stalled for years because Democrats feared losing environmental protections and Republicans feared a deal that would only help renewables. Sens. Heinrich, Lee, Capito and Whitehouse have shown there is a bargain that works for both sides,” said Colin Mortimer, Senior Director of Partnerships at the Progressive Policy Institute. “This bill would get power lines, clean energy and critical infrastructure built faster and lower costs for families while keeping strong safeguards in place.” “If you care about decarbonizing the economy or reshoring American manufacturing, or cutting bills for ratepayers, then you should support this bill. No agreement is perfect, but there’s something in this permitting reform agreement that will, on net, benefit everybody. And there isn’t a better deal out there,” said Jane Flegal and Pavan Venkatakrishnan of the Searchlight Institute. “NAHB applauds Senators Lee, Capito, Heinrich and Whitehouse and for their leadership and bipartisan approach to crafting the most meaningful reforms in decades to several key federal environmental permitting programs. The housing sector stands to benefit from many of these federal permitting reforms, including an increase in acreage thresholds under the Clean Water Act’s (CWA) Nationwide Permit program along with extending the statutory timeframe from five to 10 years for the CWA permit programs. These provisions provide the industry with needed clarity and consistency during the federal permitting process,” said Bill Owens, Chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Energy Companies and Associations “The American Clean Power Association greatly appreciates the leadership of Senators Capito, Whitehouse, Lee and Heinrich in developing strong, technology neutral permitting reform legislation that includes an Administration commitment to approve wind projects. All energy industries must be able to confidently rely on the durability of federal permitting decisions. The transmission provisions will also enhance grid reliability and enable economic growth. If adopted, the legislation will substantially increase the deployment of clean resources. Passage before the end of the year is essential to enable the construction of critical energy infrastructure and lower consumer prices,” said Jason Grumet, CEO of American Clean Power Association. “Washington has a generational opportunity to fundamentally transform a broken permitting system and help address the affordability challenges facing American consumers,” said Mike Sommers, President and CEO of American Petroleum Institute. “President Trump and Senators Capito, Lee, Whitehouse and Heinrich deserve credit for working across party lines to bring durable reform within reach. The bipartisan package would modernize NEPA, reduce duplicative reviews and unnecessary litigation, and provide greater certainty for critical projects. Congress should seize this moment and finish the job—making it easier to build the infrastructure America needs and helping keep costs down for consumers.” “We support this bipartisan effort and applaud Senators Capito, Heinrich, Lee, and Whitehouse for advancing meaningful reforms to help meet America’s growing energy needs. As one of the nation’s largest electric utilities and the operator of the country’s largest transmission network, AEP understands firsthand the critical need for diverse generation and transmission infrastructure to serve our customers and help meet the unprecedented demand for electricity. The process to permit, site and construct energy infrastructure can take years due to unnecessary hurdles that delay projects needed to support reliability, affordability and economic growth. This legislation will help accelerate the process to bring critical infrastructure projects online, supporting the investments required to enhance reliability for our customers, reduce costs, and create new economic opportunities in the states we serve. Congress should pass the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 now,” said Bill Fehrman, Chairman, President and CEO of American Electric Power (AEP). “The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 represents an historic opportunity to modernize the grid and meet customers’ electricity demand with reliable, affordable power. If enacted into law, the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 would safeguard critical environmental standards while providing greater process certainty for environmental reviews and ensure that the customers we serve benefit from our nation’s diverse energy resources. It will also unlock trillions of dollars in private sector investment and job creation to expedite the construction of critically needed energy infrastructure,” said Mark Hewett, President and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway Energy. “Independent oil and natural gas producers are ready to build, produce, and create jobs, and permitting delays and uncertainty can turn attractive projects into missed opportunities—especially for small producers. The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 gives Congress an opportunity to deliver bipartisan permitting reform with clear and enforceable timelines, greater levels of certainty, and fewer unnecessary delays—without compromising the environmental and safety standards that protect our communities and natural resources. Republicans and Democrats should seize that opportunity and move swiftly. American energy shouldn’t have to wait in line for Washington’s bureaucracy. American energy shouldn’t be held back by a permitting system that doesn’t keep pace with energy demand. This is an opportunity to celebrate what bipartisan cooperation can accomplish, providing real solutions to the complex problems that surround America’s broken permitting system,” said Edith Naegele, President and CEO of the Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA). “This is the kind of bipartisan action America needs to meet growing energy demand, put downward pressure on energy prices, and deploy more affordable, exactly reliable solar and storage for American families and businesses,” said Tim Pawlenty, CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). “Affordable advanced energy resources, including solar, wind, storage, and transmission are delivering for America, but opaque, politicized, and endless red tape is getting in our industry’s way of building as much as is needed. That’s why we welcome technology-neutral permitting reform from Congress. This bill text demonstrates bipartisan support for building more advanced energy, faster. With fair competition, better planning, and less red tape, we can move more electrons and tamp down energy costs. Thank you to Sen. Capito, Sen. Mike Lee, Sen. Whitehouse, and Sen. Heinrich on their leadership. We encourage Congress to build on this progress and to prioritize these critical reforms,” said Heather O’Neill, President and CEO of Advanced Energy United. “Constraining abundant, domestic clean energy could cost the U.S. at least $121 billion in additional energy expenses in the coming years,” said Rich Powell, Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA) CEO. “This bipartisan package is a generational opportunity to unleash American energy through faster infrastructure permitting and improved transmission planning. Thank you to Chairs Shelley Moore Capito and Mike Lee, Ranking Members Sheldon Whitehouse and Martin Heinrich, and President Donald Trump for your leadership on this critical issue. The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act presents an incredible opportunity for clean energy, and we look forward to seeing it cross the finish line.” “This bipartisan breakthrough goes big to durably reform a broken permitting system that needlessly drives up energy costs and puts America’s energy security at risk. These comprehensive reforms would unlock generational investments to make energy more affordable and position America to win the global energy race that will define our future. We urge the Senate to act with the urgency this moment in history demands by passing the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act,” said Anne Bradbury, the American Exploration & Production Council (AXPC) CEO. “American economic growth requires an energy permitting system built on predictable, durable, bipartisan principles that will outlast two- and four-year election cycles,” said Ray Long, (American Council on Renewable Energy) ACORE President and CEO. “Clean energy builders and financers have made it clear they intend to keep investing in clean energy. The bipartisan legislation released today represents momentum toward providing the policy certainty the market needs to unleash capital and build the energy infrastructure we need.” “Pass the frickin’ bill so we can start building things again,” said the U.S. Oil & Gas Association. “Failing to pass permitting reforms would have real consequences for all of us,” said Zach Zimmerman, Director of Research and Policy for Grid Strategies. “Every year that major transmission projects are delayed means higher system costs and less ability to move power where it is needed during extreme weather. Without reform, we will continue to pay more for the grid.” Business and Manufacturing Groups “Manufacturers are all in on this game-changing agreement and getting it across the finish line. Our nation’s permitting system is outdated and burdensome, delaying projects across industries and contributing to rising costs across the economy. Costly, duplicative permitting delays are costing manufacturers $8 billion annually, limiting manufacturers’ ability to hire new workers, build and expand their operations. Removing these barriers would unlock greater investment and growth. Manufacturers are ready to build, and modernized permitting will help us race to the future,” said Jay Timmons, President and CEO of National Association of Manufacturers. “BCSE commends the continued bipartisan work in Congress to modernize the nation’s permitting system and the further development of a comprehensive legislative permitting reform package. Building on the important progress made by the House of Representatives, Congress now has an opportunity to advance comprehensive, durable permitting reform that can provide greater certainty for investment and accelerate the deployment of critical energy infrastructure,” said Lisa Jacobson, President of the Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE). “We appreciate all the work that made this strong package possible. Any bipartisan compromise will have trade-offs, but the permit certainty, transmission, and grid modernization components of this deal are strong, and now is the time to deliver reforms that allow us to build the clean energy infrastructure we need to reduce costs for American businesses and consumers,” said Zach Friedman, Senior Director of Federal Policy at Ceres. “We look forward to continuing to work with companies, partners, and key lawmakers to meet the moment and advance this package to drive down costs by accelerating deployment of affordable, homegrown clean energy infrastructure.” “Business Roundtable strongly supports the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026. This vital legislation would create a faster, more durable permitting process that gives businesses the certainty they need to invest, build and grow,” said Joshua Bolten, CEO of Business Roundtable. “Advancing wide-ranging permitting reform is one of the most consequential steps Congress can take to unlock America’s economic potential. By accelerating approvals for critical infrastructure projects, this bill would help lower costs, create good-paying jobs and strengthen America’s long-term competitiveness.” “For too long, America’s broken permitting system has turned the ability to receive a permit into a barrier to job creation and economic growth. This bipartisan agreement represents a major step toward changing that. By establishing more reliable timelines, creating greater certainty and breaking down longstanding barriers to building, Congress can help ensure that projects across the economy move from the drawing board to the job site,” said Brandon Farris, Executive Vice President of Steel Manufacturers Association. “The legislation would modernize federal environmental review and permitting processes for infrastructure projects, provide greater certainty for federal permits and authorizations, and help enable the all-of-the-above energy resources needed to meet America's growing energy and manufacturing demands,” said the American Chemistry Council. “America cannot build, power, and compete without modern infrastructure. Whether it’s expanding energy production, strengthening manufacturing, building next-generation infrastructure, projects cannot move forward if permitting delays and regulatory uncertainty stand in the way. This bipartisan legislation is an important step toward creating a permitting system that is more predictable, transparent, and effective.” “We are undeniably in the age of demand – from energy to semiconductors, drones to transmission lines – and securing robust supplies of the mined materials that allow us to build, manufacture and power almost everything is key to meeting this moment. Standing in our way is a permitting process mired in duplication, endless litigation and uncertainty that has hobbled U.S. competitiveness with the second longest timeline in the world to bring a mine online. Our elected officials on both sides of the aisle have long acknowledged that the status quo cannot continue. We applaud the work that has been done to date and urge Congress to pass commonsense, much-needed reforms that will benefit all Americans,” said Rich Nolan, President and CEO of the National Mining Association. “The Senate's progress toward a comprehensive, bipartisan permitting reform deal brings us one step closer to streamlining the outdated process that is holding up critical projects of all kinds, from energy and water infrastructure to roads, broadband, and manufacturing,” said Rodney Davis, Senior Vice President and Head of Government Affairs at the U.S. Chamber. “We appreciate the leadership of Senators Capito, Whitehouse, Lee, and Heinrich to bring us to this point, and now we urge swift action in Congress to get this bill to the President’s desk as soon as possible.” State and Local Government “The National Governors Association and its partners are encouraged by the introduction of the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 and look forward to working with Congress to further develop this legislation. Working with governors, NGA has long championed commonsense permitting reform to build the infrastructure our country needs. With priorities centered on federal partnership, interstate cooperation, and sound energy and environmental policy, NGA worked across the aisle and across sectors to deliver federal reform recommendations to Congress, using states as proving ground. Reform will help grow our economy, reduce costs, and improve quality of life for all Americans,” said Brian Tatum, CEO of the National Governors Association. “Counties are on the front lines of delivering the energy, water and transportation infrastructure projects that residents depend on,” said Matthew Chase, Executive Director of National Association of Counties. “The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act recognizes counties as cooperating agencies in federal environmental protection statutes. This legislation would modernize the federal permitting process, reduce unnecessary delays, accelerate project delivery and ensure local expertise is incorporated into federal decision-making. Counties applaud Senators Lee, Heinrich, Capito and Whitehouse for their leadership and urge Congress to advance this bipartisan permitting reform package.” “Unfortunately, outdated federal bureaucracy continues to delay critical energy and infrastructure projects and drive up costs for hardworking families at a time when speed and efficiency matter most. The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act is an opportunity to change that. By bringing greater certainty and accountability to the permitting process, we can unleash American energy dominance, strengthen our grid, bring manufacturing and investment back home, and ensure the United States leads the next generation of economic growth,” said 21 Governors in a Statement.

Great news for New Mexico producers and something I was proud to fight for when I served as the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee Chair. Because the best way we can bring meat prices down is by giving the monopoly meat packers some competition. https://t.co/8bUAqORmun

WASHINGTON — This week, the Zuni Tribe’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration was approved to support recovery efforts following severe storms and flash flooding that occurred between July 16 and 28, 2026. The Major Disaster Declaration was granted on October 7 by President Donald Trump, immediately following a letter sent October 6 from U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) calling on the President to approve the Major Disaster Declaration request. The Zuni Tribe is one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in North America, serving as a steward of a nationally significant historic, cultural, and religious landscape. The storms and flash flooding caused extensive damage to seven ceremonial trails and multiple culturally significant locations, affecting the ancestral, ceremonial, and historic resources central to the Tribe’s cultural heritage, along with damage to public infrastructure and private property. This declaration designated the Pueblo of Zuni for both Individual Assistance and all categories of Public Assistance. Federal funding will help ensure that those historic sites and public infrastructure can be repaired and that impacted families can recover from these devastating floods. In a letter sent to President Trump on October 6, 2026, New Mexico’s Congressional Delegation wrote, “We respectfully request that you take immediate action on the Zuni Tribe’s recent request for a major disaster declaration in response to severe storms that triggered significant flash flooding and caused extensive damage in the Pueblo of Zuni between July 16, 2026, to July 28, 2026. The severity and magnitude of the storms and subsequent flash flooding overwhelmed Zuni Tribal resources, and they require supplemental, Federal assistance to ensure the Tribal Nation can recover.” The lawmakers continued, “Three thunderstorm events on July 16, 21, and 28, 2026, in the Zuni Pueblo area produced heavy rainfall, with National Weather Service (NWS) radar and local rain gauge data indicating it was a 100-year flood event. This rainfall overtopped levees, riverbanks, and earthen dams, flooding paved roads and Zuni Village itself, and caused significant damage to private property, community infrastructure, ceremonial trails, and culturally significant sites. Sixty-one families were displaced, twelve families required sheltering, and four individuals required swift water rescue; six families are still in shelters.” “In totality, the impacts from these floods will require federal assistance, as they have exceeded the capabilities of the Zuni Tribe,” the lawmakers concluded. “We fully support the Zuni Tribe’s request, and we urge you to act without delay. It is imperative that the federal government provides full support to the Zuni Tribe to recover from the devastation caused by this flooding.” Read the full text of the lawmaker’s letter here and below: Dear President Trump, We respectfully request that you take immediate action on the Zuni Tribe’s recent request for a major disaster declaration in response to severe storms that triggered significant flash flooding and caused extensive damage in the Pueblo of Zuni between July 16, 2026, to July 28, 2026. The severity and magnitude of the storms and subsequent flash flooding overwhelmed Zuni Tribal resources, and they require supplemental, Federal assistance to ensure the Tribal Nation can recover. The Zuni Tribe is requesting Public Assistance (PA), Categories A through G, as well as Individual Assistance (IA), including Disaster Unemployment Assistance, Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Assistance, Disaster Case Management, and Individuals and Households Program Assistance, and statewide assistance from the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. We ask that you expeditiously grant the declaration and make this federal assistance available as soon as possible. Three thunderstorm events on July 16, 21, and 28, 2026, in the Zuni Pueblo area produced heavy rainfall, with National Weather Service (NWS) radar and local rain gauge data indicating it was a 100-year flood event. This rainfall overtopped levees, riverbanks, and earthen dams, flooding paved roads and Zuni Village itself, and caused significant damage to private property, community infrastructure, ceremonial trails, and culturally significant sites. Sixty-one families were displaced, twelve families required sheltering, and four individuals required swift water rescue; six families are still in shelters. The Zuni Tribe is a federally recognized sovereign Tribal Nation and one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in North America. The Zuni Tribe serves as a steward of a nationally significant historic, cultural, and religious landscape. And in addition to extensive damage to public infrastructure and private property, the flash floods described above also severely impacted seven ceremonial trails and multiple culturally significant locations. Washouts, erosion, and material loss to those paths and sacred ruins – some dating back to the early 1500s – have affected the ancestral, ceremonial, and historic resources central to the Tribe’s cultural heritage. Restoration work will need to be performed using culturally appropriate methods, require specialized preservation oversight, and preserve the confidentiality of these sites. In the wake of the flash flooding, the Zuni Tribe requested federal assistance with a Preliminary Damage Assessment, and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) staff and Zuni staff conducted site visits throughout the entire reservation. As of September 25, 2026, FEMA’s estimate for the assessed damage was $1,222,135. The severity and extent of the flooding required tribal resources to be diverted to emergency protective measures and hazardous debris removal. Recovery will require repairs to roadways and drainage systems, utility restoration, support for displaced families, and culturally appropriate preservation work. In totality, the impacts from these floods will require federal assistance, as they have exceeded the capabilities of the Zuni Tribe. We fully support the Zuni Tribe’s request, and we urge you to act without delay. It is imperative that the federal government provides full support to the Zuni Tribe to recover from the devastation caused by this flooding. Thank you for your consideration of this important request. Sincerely, ###

When we talk about public safety, that has to include supporting survivors. If you need support, it's available 24/7. For NM-specific resources, visit https://t.co/EdZ0r86Ax4. And this Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I want to especially thank the advocates and health care providers who serve survivors in New Mexico.

Data center owners should pay for their electricity and any grid upgrades–not you. Our new permitting reform bill makes that mandatory. https://t.co/8hXyZ0ogS0

Watch video here ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, appeared on CNN’s The Lead with Jake Tapper today where he discussed his landmark legislation that will hold data centers accountable for the costs they impose on the electricity grid, helping to ensure families and small businesses aren’t stuck footing the bill. Heinrich also discussed reports of a deadly illness at a research facility in Russia. “In the permitting bill, that we just released text on a little over a week ago, we mandate that [data centers] have to pay for both the electricity and for any grid upgrades. And we prohibit passing those costs along to average ratepayers, be those residential customers or small businesses,” said Heinrich. VIDEO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, discusses with CNN’s Jake Tapper his landmark legislation that will hold data centers accountable for the costs they impose on the electric grid and reports of a suspected plague exposure at a research facility in Russia, October 7, 2026. On Heinrich’s Bill to Make Data Centers Pay their Fair Share of Grid Costs: Jake Tapper: “Senator, you're also the top Democrat on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. And I don't need to tell you the debate over data centers is huge — especially on your Committee. You're pushing to make data center owners pay for the electricity that their buildings require, and not families who live nearby. How would you do that?” Senator Heinrich: “Well, actually, in the permitting bill, that we just released text on a little over a week ago, we mandate that [data centers] have to pay for both the electricity and for any grid upgrades. And we prohibit passing those costs along to average ratepayers, be those residential customers or small businesses.” For more information on Heinrich’s landmark legislation to require data centers to fully pay for costs they create, click here. On Reports of a Deadly Illness at a Research Facility in Russia: Heinrich: “We have a long history of Russia kind of coloring outside the lines, going all the way back to the Soviet Union. I would be very concerned if this were an engineered pathogen. I don't have any unique information saying that is the case. But if it were the case, that would be cause for alarm. And, you know, one of the things that I think is incredibly important that's related is just the fact that we have a CDC right now in the United States that is sort of running on fumes. Between the Trump administration and the actions of DOGE here a little over a year ago, the CDC is just simply not the agency that it should be for things like surveillance for any kind of international pathogen. And so, I'm not going to add fuel to that fire, but certainly I would be deeply concerned if we were to learn of any sort of engineered pathogen.” “In the short term, what I'd really like to see is a hand-in-glove approach between Russia and the World Health Organization. That would tell us a lot. I want to know what tests were administered to the lab worker. What were the results of those tests? You know, if this were the plague, that would actually assuage a lot of my concerns because we all know how to deal with the plague. We've been dealing with the plague for hundreds of years. Even, even pneumonic plague is something that, because it has a relatively short incubation period, we know precisely how to intervene. If it's something else, then that, that is the concern that I think a lot of people are expressing.” ###

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, and U.S. Senator Andy Kim (D-N.J.) led the introduction of their Nutrition Continuity for Military Families Act, legislation that will ensure military families have access to healthy meals and critical nutrition programs. This builds on their introduction of the Military Dependents School Meal Eligibility Act, which they introduced last month. The Nutrition Continuity for Military Families Act of 2026 will ensure military families are notified of their potential eligibility and do not lose access to crucial supplemental nutritional benefits through the Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) program when conducting a mandated Permanent Change of Station (PCS). The Military Dependents School Meal Eligibility Act will help combat hunger among military families by ensuring military children are no longer excluded from school meal assistance programs. “Military families already sacrifice so much to serve our country — they shouldn’t also have to worry about whether their children have enough to eat or can access the meals they need at school,” said Heinrich.“Our legislation will cut through unnecessary barriers and make sure military families in New Mexico and across the country can access healthy school meals and critical nutrition programs. We have a responsibility to take care of the families who sacrifice so much to take care of all of us.” “As military families move place to place as a part of their service to our country, they shouldn’t have to worry about losing access to benefits along the way. We know hunger and access to care is a real issue in our military communities – let’s make this fix so essential services never get interrupted for those who need it most,” said Kim. The Nutrition Continuity for Military Families Act of 2026 Military service members make tremendous sacrifices to serve our country. Unfortunately, many military families, especially young, enlisted service members and their families, face food insecurity. And critical nutrition assistance remains significantly underutilized. Research highlighted by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that 70% of WIC-eligible active-duty military families were not enrolled in the program. Frequent military moves can disrupt access to these benefits and force families to repeatedly navigate new state and local systems. Ensuring service members and their families receive timely notification of potential eligibility and uninterrupted access to WIC benefits throughout a military move is critical to protecting military families from food insecurity during already challenging transitions. The Nutrition Continuity for Military Families Act helps ensure military families have uninterrupted access to critical nutrition benefits by requiring the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to: Notify families who may be eligible for WIC when they receive PCS orders; Issue a Verification of Certification card to covered service members at the time of WIC certification or recertification; Ensure WIC benefits remain certified throughout the PCS process; and Ensure each military installation has knowledgeable personnel available at least three days per week to provide WIC assistance to service members. A one-pager of the bill is here. The full text of the bill is here. The Military Dependents School Meal Eligibility Act School meals help children build healthy eating habits that can last a lifetime. Research shows that students who participate in school meal programs have better overall diet quality than nonparticipants. Yet military families can face unnecessary barriers to accessing free and reduced-price school meals because their Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is counted as income when determining eligibility. The Military Dependents School Meal Eligibility Act ensures military families are not unfairly excluded from school meal programs by: Excluding BAH from income calculation for military families’ eligibility in free and reduced-price meals provided under the National School Breakfast Program and National School Lunch Program; and Requiring the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and DoD to submit a report to Congress on the feasibility and cost of creating a program to directly certify military children for free and reduced-price school meal programs, including breakfast and lunch. The full text of the bill is here. Last month, Heinrich and Kim also introduced the Healthy Meals Help Kids Learn Act, legislation to address the rising cost of school meals and help end childhood hunger in America. ###

Hey New Mexico, early voting starts NOW! Whether you vote early or vote on Election Day–check your registration, make a plan, and let’s get it done.

During the Committee hearing, Heinrich denounced legislation picking winners and losers in the energy sector, criticized a Republican bill that raises electricity prices, and spoke out against policies that harm public lands WASHINGTON — Last week, during a U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee business meeting to consider pending legislation, the Committee passed U.S. Senator and Committee Ranking Member Martin Heinrich’s (D-N.M.) bipartisan Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) Economic Assistance Assurance Act, legislation to ensure long-term funding for community infrastructure projects in New Mexico surrounding WIPP. WIPP is the nation’s only deep geologic repository for the disposal of transuranic waste generated by the country's nuclear weapons program, playing a critical role in supporting national defense by managing legacy nuclear materials and national security-related cleanup efforts across the Department of Energy (DOE). The WIPP Economic Assistance Assurance Act, introduced by Heinrich in April 2026, would amend the WIPP Land Withdrawal Act to maintain vital infrastructure projects for the duration of WIPP’s operation, ensuring sustained and inflation-adjusted funding goes toward New Mexico communities. VIDEO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, delivers opening remarks during a Committee hearing to consider pending legislation, September 30, 2026. During the hearing, Heinrich also expressed concern over the Committee’s lack of willingness to pass bipartisan weatherization legislation that would lower costs for American families, and criticized legislation that harms public lands. He also denounced U.S. Senator John Hoeven’s (R-N.D.) GRID Power Act, which would allow fossil fuels to receive favorable treatment and connect to our grid faster than clean energy projects, ultimately raising costs for consumers. Heinrich began his opening remarks by criticizing efforts by U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah), Chairman of the Committee, to prioritize his legislation, S.1568, the Liberating Incandescent Technology (LIT) Act, over bipartisan weatherization legislation that would actually improve home efficiency upgrades and save Americans money on utilities. “At a time of rising electric bills and increasing new demands on the electric grid, this Committee should focus on lowering costs and increasing reliability. We have a chance to extend and improve a program that has served more than 7.2 million families, saving households an average of $372 per year and supporting 8,500 good jobs. Unfortunately, the Chairman has declined to bring weatherization bills up for a vote,” said Heinrich. “Instead, we are spending our time and attention ‘liberating’ light bulbs that industry doesn’t even make, and most of us haven’t even thought about in a decade.” “According to analysis of DOE and EIA data by consumer groups, LED lightbulbs save the average household $370 a year on their electric bills,” Heinrich continued. Heinrich submitted a letter of opposition to S. 1568 from consumer advocacy groups. Heinrich then raised concerns over Lee’s OHVs in Capitol Reef National Park Act, which would authorize the use of off-highway vehicles (OHVs) inside the park, “All 12 roads defined in the bill are accessible to conventional vehicles, so the idea that this bill increases access to park land is dubious. If passed, the bill would strain local emergency medical services, wear down backcountry roads faster, and push noise levels past National Park Service standards.” On S. 3785, the North Rim and Kaibab National Forest Restoration Act, Heinrich spoke to his proposed amendment that would ensure transparency and oversight of the non-competitive contracts authorized by the bill, so that taxpayer money is properly used for restoration purposes. “We have seen what happens when this administration doesn’t have to go through regular competitive contracting processes. We get shoddy work, like the Reflecting Pool, with taxpayer money funneled to the president’s donors,” said Heinrich. “The last thing the communities of northern Arizona need is for no-bid contracts to be awarded to fly-by-night companies that cannot get the job done at the end of the day.” In the markup portion of the Committee, Heinrich spoke out against S. 465, U.S. Senator John Hoeven’s (R-N.D.) GRID Power Act, which would allow transmission providers to submit proposals to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) that would favor fossil fuel companies to connect to the grid faster than clean energy companies. Heinrich noted that favoring one form of generation over others is not a smart, cost-saving path forward. “While issues remain with generator interconnection backlogs, favoring fossil-fueled generators over others is not a smart, cost-saving path forward,” said Heinrich. “My amendment would remove the word ‘dispatchable’ from S. 465. The amendment would still allow transmission providers to speed up their generator interconnection queues, but in a generation-neutral manner.” A video of Heinrich’s remarks is here. Heinrich’s full opening remarks as delivered are below: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I look forward to advancing a number of the bills on this agenda, including important legislation that I have offered with Senator Risch to restore economic support for much-needed road and infrastructure improvements near the Department of Energy’s Waste Isolation Pilot Plant. I’m also pleased we will consider bipartisan legislation related to cybersecurity and the electric grid, and advancing geothermal research. At a time of rising electric bills and increasing new demands on the grid, this Committee should focus on lowering costs and increasing reliability. That’s why I’ve asked to have bipartisan weatherization legislation included on the agenda. For 50 years, the popular weatherization program has helped add insulation, repair furnaces, and make other home efficiency upgrades to households who need it most. We have a chance to extend and improve a program that has served more than 7 million families, saving households an average of $372 per year and supporting 8,500 good jobs. Unfortunately, the Chairman has declined to bring weatherization bills up for a vote today. Instead, we are spending our time and attention “liberating” light bulbs that industry doesn’t even make and most of us haven’t even thought about in a decade. According to analysis of DOE and EIA data by consumer groups, LED lightbulbs save the average household $370 a year on their electric bills. Earlier this month, I submitted a letter of opposition for the record to S. 1568, the “Liberating Incandescent Technology Act” or the LIT Act, from industry. The National Electrical Manufacturers Association and the American Lighting Association warned of Chinese products flooding the market if this bill becomes law. I would now ask for unanimous consent to submit a letter of opposition to S. 1568 from consumer groups. Consumer Reports, the Consumer Federation of America, and the National Consumer Law Center, urge members to vote no on S. 1568, and protect Americans from skyrocketing energy costs. I’m also concerned about S. 465, the Grid Power Act. The bill would codify “queue jumping,” allowing natural gas power plants to connect to the grid faster than clean energy sources. This is not necessary as FERC approved a one-time process to allow some power plants to skip to the front of the line while remaining technologically neutral. Changing this now, especially as this administration illegally props up uneconomic coal plants, could be harmful to families’ and small businesses’ bottom lines. So I have an amendment that would keep the requirement for FERC to modify its generator interconnection procedures but would allow transmission providers to simply prioritize “new power projects that will improve grid reliability and resource adequacy.” Any project—not just those favored by this administration—that improves our grid’s reliability could be expedited under this language. Additionally, I would like to voice my concern over S. 2970, the OHVs in Capitol Reef National Park Act, which would authorize the use of off-highway vehicles inside the park. All 12 roads defined in the bill are accessible to conventional vehicles, so the idea that this bill increases access to park land is dubious. If passed, the bill would strain local emergency medical services, wear down backcountry roads faster, and push noise levels past National Park Service standards. Lastly, on the North Rim and Kaibab National Forest Restoration Act, I have filed an amendment to ensure transparency and oversight of the non-competitive contracts authorized by the bill. We have seen what happens when this administration doesn’t have to go through regular competitive contracting processes. We get shoddy work, like the Reflecting Pool, with taxpayer money funneled to the president’s donors. The last thing the communities of northern Arizona need is for no-bid contracts to be awarded to fly-by-night companies that cannot get the job done at the end of the day. I know how important this restoration work is, particularly to the members from Arizona, so I am not going to vote against this bill today, but I hope we can put some necessary guardrails into this legislation to ensure the work actually gets done and taxpayer dollars aren’t diverted to this administration’s vanity projects. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Heinrich’s remarks on his proposed amendment to S. 465, the GRID Power Act: Mr. Chairman, I'd like to offer an amendment to S. 465. S. 465, the GRID Power Act, would allow transmission providers to submit proposals to FERC that would allow fossil-fueled generators to jump those queue lines. Generator interconnection queues have faced backlogs for years. And to FERC’s credit, the Commission has taken action in recent years to speed up these queues, including issuing Order No. 2023. While issues remain with generator interconnection backlogs, favoring one form of generation over others is not a smart, cost-saving path forward. My amendment would simply remove the word “dispatchable” from S. 465. It would still allow transmission providers to speed up their generator interconnection queues, but in a generation-neutral manner. There’s no debate that there is room for improvement in our generator interconnection queues. And I think, actually, that our bipartisan permitting package, once released, will show how Chairman Lee and I agree on some common solutions to improve these queues. But FERC has never been in the business of picking winners and losers—and they shouldn’t start today. I ask for a roll call vote on the amendment. Thank you.

If we want cheaper energy, we need permitting reform. If we want to force data centers to pay their fair share and then some, we need permitting reform. If we want to build out clean energy and the jobs that come with it, we need permitting reform. And all of that reform is in our Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act. Let’s get this done.

New Mexico has shown that when we make healthy school meals available to every student, we give kids a better chance to focus, learn and succeed. Now I want every kid in America to have the healthy food they need to help them learn and thrive. https://t.co/FUXRSUkE50

Congratulations to Erik Chavarria from Career Technical Education Center of Hobbs. He's the $75K winner of the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence. He's teaching the next generation valuable skills and setting them up for the future. You’ve made your students and New Mexico proud.

'Tis the season. 🎈 https://t.co/Y6HVDKbSJj

MLB withdraws proposal after Heinrich sent a letter urging MLB to back down from their plan to host a baseball game in the treasured national park WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement in response to Major League Baseball (MLB) Commissioner Robert Manfred withdrawing the league's interest in hosting a baseball game in Grand Teton National Park after Heinrich pressed Manfred to withdraw his proposal. “This week, I sent a letter to MLB Commissioner Manfred urging him to stand down on pursuing a baseball stadium in Grand Teton National Park. While I’m glad that he has listened and agreed not to pursue this Grand Teton National Park plan, I am concerned that MLB may still be considering other National Park locations,” said Heinrich. “Let’s be clear: our national parks are no place for hosting professional sports games. Building stadiums in our national parks defies logic and is just plain wrong. I’ll continue to demand answers on whether other national park sites are being considered for any MLB games.” In his letter to MLB Commissioner Manfred, sent Tuesday, September 29, Heinrich urged MLB to withdraw its proposal to build a baseball stadium in Grand Teton National Park, citing concerns over national park preservation and the precedent hosting a baseball game would set for future national park land use. “Since 1916, the mission of the National Park Service has been to conserve the scenery, natural and historic objects, and wildlife in the parks, and to provide for their enjoyment in a way that leaves them unimpaired for future generations of Americans. This all makes national parks sacred ground and not a proper venue for a stadium built for a single commercial event. As Americans, we have an obligation to protect and preserve our national parks at every turn,” Heinrich wrote. Heinrich also expressed concern over the lack of public input from MLB or the Trump administration in making this decision. Recent reporting from The Washington Post found that National Park Service (NPS) Deputy Director for Operations Frank Lands recently visited Teton County, but made no mention of hosting an MLB game in Grand Teton National Park. “The public and local communities deserve an opportunity to voice their concerns about visitor safety and the protection of federal lands and ecosystems. Neither MLB nor the Trump administration has sought public input,” Heinrich continued. “MLB has its choice of at least 30 different stadiums all over the country to host a baseball game. Hosting a baseball game at a national park, however, should not be one of those venues given the heightened threat to local ecosystems and wildlife habitats. I therefore request that you withdraw your proposal to host a baseball game at a national park and instead pursue a more viable alternative venue,” Heinrich concluded. Yesterday, MLB Commissioner Manfred responded to Heinrich’s letter, sharing that MLB will no longer be considering Grand Teton National Park as a potential site for a baseball game, but making no commitments regarding other National Park sites. Read the full text of Heinrich’s letter here and below. Dear Commissioner Manfred: I write to express strong opposition to Major League Baseball (MLB) hosting a baseball game at a national park. I strongly urge you to withdraw your proposal. According to recent reports, MLB has approached the Trump administration about hosting a major league baseball game in Grand Teton National Park. This news is highly concerning. Grand Teton National Park holds a singular place in our nation’s conservation history. First protected by Congress in 1929, the park preserves the Teton Range, the valley of Jackson Hole, and one of the most intact ecosystems in the lower 48 states. It is home to grizzly bears, moose, bison, and it sustains the pronghorn’s ancient migration route, one of the longest land migrations in North America. The same land that makes the area attractive to construction is the same habitat these animals depend on for grazing, calving, and passage. Since 1916, the mission of the National Park Service has been to conserve the scenery, natural and historic objects, and wildlife in the parks, and to provide for their enjoyment in a way that leaves them unimpaired for future generations of Americans. This all makes national parks sacred ground and not a proper venue for a stadium built for a single commercial event. As Americans, we have an obligation to protect and preserve our national parks at every turn. The public and local communities deserve an opportunity to voice their concerns about visitor safety and the protection of federal lands and ecosystems. Neither MLB nor the Trump administration has sought public input. According to The Washington Post, Deputy Director Frank Lands recently visited Teton County, but made no mention of hosting an MLB game in Grand Teton National Park. Baseball is a treasured American pastime – drawing millions of fans to ballparks every year. MLB has its choice of at least 30 different stadiums all over the country to host a baseball game. Hosting a baseball game at a national park, however, should not be one of those venues given the heightened threat to local ecosystems and wildlife habitats. I therefore request that you withdraw your proposal to host a baseball game at a national park and instead pursue a more viable alternative venue. Sincerely,

New Mexico farmers and ranchers — talk to your local NRCS office for resources available to you after this week's flooding. Outside of crop insurance, there are programs that can help producers with structural damage. Take photos now and again once water recedes. https://t.co/2LINRdd3eh

Let's build big things again. https://t.co/fg9j4a8NQF

The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is one of the wildest and most untouched places in America. Oil and gas drilling in the refuge would have devastating impacts on the landscape and the wildlife that depend on it. https://t.co/VIQrI7qwTy

I’ve said it before and I will say it again: there will not be a single Republican on your ballot this November who you can trust to protect abortion access.

The American people simply cannot take anymore of Trump's "winning."