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.

Vasquez presses Pentagon over delays in energy project approvals
U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez speaks during a congressional hearing. Vasquez on Friday raised concerns about delays in energy project approvals affecting New Mexico. (Courtesy photo / Office of Rep. Gabe Vasquez)

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.

Sign reading “United States Air Force Holloman AFB” at the base entrance.
A sign marks the entrance to Holloman Air Force Base, one of the military installations in southern New Mexico referenced in discussions about energy reliability and project approvals. (Courtesy photo / U.S. Air Force)

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.

Keep reading:
Driver sentenced to nearly 22 years after fatal crash during checkpoint flight — A man who fled a New Mexico Border Patrol checkpoint while transporting methamphetamine was sentenced after a crash killed a motorcyclist.
New Mexico appeals court reverses termination of father’s parental rights in Doña Ana County case — The court found CYFD failed to make reasonable efforts to support reunification before the incarcerated father’s parental rights were terminated.
From burnout to breakthrough: WNMU graduate finds new direction in Silver City — Renee Maderazo says moving to Silver City helped her rediscover her art and pursue a new path as an artist and educator.

Cut through the noise

Sign up for our free email newsletter to receive the latest headlines from Organ Mountain News