Biden May Have Done Something Right, He May Have Just Turned A Blue State Red With One Stroke Of A Pen
During the 2020 presidential election, Biden won New Mexico getting 54.3% of the vote, compared to President Trump receiving 43.5%.
Throughout the election President Trump warned that Biden would destroy the countries oil and gas production nevertheless, New Mexico went all in for Biden.
That decision has now blown up in their face.
After the election Biden promised that on day one he would ban oil drilling and fracking permits on federal land. Many in the state are regretting that voted for Biden because half of the fossil fuel production in New Mexico happens on federal land controlled by local Indian tribes. That money supports the state and a lot of it goes to education.
From the Associated Press:
President Joe Biden’s 60-day moratorium on new oil and natural gas leases and drilling permits is prompting widespread concerns in New Mexico, where spending on education and other public programs hinges on the industry’s success.
Half of the state is funded through royalties that come from the oil and gas industry.
The Ute Indian Tribe did was so upset with Biden’s decision that they sent him a scathing letter.
Your order is a direct attack on our economy, sovereignty, and our right to self-determination,” Duncan wrote. “Indian lands are not federal public lands. Any action on our lands and interests can only be taken after effective tribal consultation. ”
They are demanding that Biden amend the order to exempt federal land controlled by Native Americans.
“The Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah and Ouray Reservation respectfully requests that you immediately amend Order No. 3395 to provide an exception for energy permits and approvals on Indian lands,” Duncan wrote in the letter. “The Ute Indian Tribe and other energy producing tribes rely on energy development to fund our governments and provide services to our members.”
The Ute Indian Tribe does not mince words in their response to Interior’s order restricting federal energy development:
“Your order is a direct attack on our economy, sovereignty, and our right to self-determination.” pic.twitter.com/U5MiZCMx4n
— Megan Barnett Bloomgren (@MeganBloomgren) January 22, 2021
It just so happens that the Ute Tribe had a strong relationship with Obama Administration and were supportive of Joe Biden. On their website tribal leaders expressed hope.
“I was a tribal leader during the … Obama-Biden administration and we had the key to the White House, we had a seat at the table,” Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said. “Based on that, I see that same approach being done this time.”
Biden may have done something right, with one stroke of a pen he may have just turned an entire state red.
Many are not feeling sorry for the people of New Mexico, they voted for this and elections have consequences.
They can’t say Trump didn’t warn them.
