New Mexico Defeats Subsidized Natural Gas Expansion Bills

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The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) notes that across the country the natural gas industry continues to push for subsidized expansion into so-called “unserved or underserved” areas, usually in the name of economic development. However, the New Mexico Propane Gas Association in mid-February achieved a major victory over unfair expansion.

The association, working with assistance from NPGA’s State Engagement Initiative, defeated H.B. 140 and S.B. 213, bills that would have allowed for subsidized expansion of natural gas lines. NPGA comments that this was the first time it was able to rapidly deploy a collection of multimedia sources to help the New Mexico association fight the legislation, including talking points and committee testimony; radio, online, and print advertisements; editorials in the Albuquerque and Santa Fe newspapers; a customized brochure for legislators; and use of a grass-roots management system to blast legislators with several hundred emails and telephone calls opposing the bills.

NPGA reports a case study is being developed to share with state propane associations and marketers as a guide for future engagement with lawmakers. The association adds that similar efforts are under way to fight bills in Virginia (S.B. 748) and Maryland (S.B. 778). States seeking assistance with legislative or regulatory issues may contact Lesley Garland, NPGA state affairs director, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Mollie O’Dell, vice president of communications, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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