Vasquez presses Pentagon over delays in energy project approvals
U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez is seeking answers from the Pentagon over delays in energy project approvals that could affect costs and military operations in New Mexico.
Congressman says stalled agreements are holding back development, raising costs and potentially affecting military readiness in southern New Mexico.
Organ Mountain News report
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez is pressing the Department of Defense for answers about delays in approving energy projects he says are slowing development and could affect both utility costs and military operations in New Mexico.
In a letter sent Friday, Vasquez asked Pentagon officials to explain why certain energy-related agreements have stalled for months, despite earlier approvals from the Federal Aviation Administration.
Vasquez said the delays are affecting projects tied to energy production in New Mexico and elsewhere, where developers are waiting on final sign-off from the Defense Department’s Office of Energy, Installations, and Environment.
New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District includes major military installations such as White Sands Missile Range and Holloman Air Force Base, which rely on outside energy sources to support operations.
Vasquez said those facilities depend on partnerships with energy producers and warned that delays could have broader implications for both energy availability and costs.
In the letter, Vasquez requested details on whether approvals have been paused, how many agreements remain pending, and when the process is expected to resume. He also asked for information on how projects are being reviewed and prioritized.
The congressman asked the department to respond by May 26.
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