Senator says prices have increased 35% to $3.67 per gallon; criticizes Trump administration energy policies

Organ Mountain News report

WASHINGTON - U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich said rising gasoline prices in New Mexico are tied to U.S. military actions in Iran and criticized the Trump administration’s energy policies in a statement released Friday.

Heinrich, the ranking member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, said new data shows the average price of gasoline in New Mexico has increased by 94 cents — about 35% — to $3.67 per gallon.

In a statement, Heinrich said the increase is affecting household budgets across the state.

“President Trump promised to end wars, not start them. But his reckless war in Iran is already forcing New Mexicans to pay more at the pump,” Heinrich said. “With gas prices jumping 35% to $3.67 per gallon since Trump took office, New Mexicans’ hard-earned money is covering less and less.”

Heinrich said the country should invest more heavily in domestic clean energy and electric vehicles to reduce dependence on global oil markets.

“We need to be investing in American-made clean energy and electric cars,” Heinrich said. “And we need to stop letting American families’ financial well-being be dictated by volatile foreign oil markets.”

Heinrich also noted that he voted for a War Powers Resolution directing the president to end military operations in Iran unless Congress explicitly authorized them. Senate Republicans blocked the measure.

Heinrich’s office also noted that he recently secured funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which helps households cover heating and utility costs.