By Organ Mountain News on Jul 18, 2026

Heinrich opposes two Trump nominees, backs third in Senate committee

U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich opposed two Trump administration nominees and supported a third during a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee meeting.

U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich speaks during a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee meeting July 16, 2026. (Courtesy image / U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee)

The New Mexico senator said he supported Kevin Lilly after the nominee showed a willingness to work with him on public lands issues

Organ Mountain News report

WASHINGTON - U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich opposed two Trump administration nominees and supported a third during a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee meeting Thursday.

Heinrich, the committee’s ranking Democrat, voted against William Hague for assistant secretary of the Interior and Kaveh Farzad for assistant secretary of Energy for international affairs.

He voted to advance Kevin Lilly’s nomination for assistant secretary for fish and wildlife and parks.

Heinrich said his opposition to Hague and Farzad was based on the Trump administration’s policies on climate, clean energy, public lands and environmental protections rather than personal objections to the nominees.

“I have no reason to believe that these nominees, if confirmed, will chart a different course,” Heinrich said.

He made an exception for Lilly, saying the nominee had taken his calls, listened to his concerns and demonstrated a willingness to work with him.

“For that reason, I will vote to report his nomination,” Heinrich said.

The New Mexico senator also highlighted bipartisan work on several public lands and water bills considered by the committee.

He voted to advance amendments involving a Colorado reservoir conveyance, federal payments to small counties, restoration funding for California’s San Joaquin River and a feasibility study for expanding the Lewis and Clark Rural Water System.

Heinrich voted against legislation sponsored by Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska addressing recognition and land claims for certain Alaska Native communities. He said the two senators were continuing discussions in search of an agreement.

Watch Sen. Heinrich's remarks:

U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich delivers opening remarks during a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee meeting July 16, 2026. (Courtesy video / U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on YouTube)

Keep Reading

NM Environment Department schedules October hearing for Project Jupiter air quality permit — New Mexico regulators will hold an Oct. 19 hearing in Sunland Park on the data center’s controversial air quality permit application.

Las Cruces police warn renters about online housing scams — Police are urging prospective tenants to verify listings and landlords after a woman reported losing about $1,800.

As homelessness changes in Las Cruces, so does Community of Hope — Rising rents, more first-time homelessness and a growing focus on permanent housing are reshaping the city’s primary hub for homeless services.