A leading energy official in New Mexico says low oil and gas prices are the main obstacle to a reinvigorated industry.
The Farmington Daily-Times says the secretary of the state Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, Ken McQueen, told a gathering of energy leaders Thursday in Farmington that low prices are the biggest challenge the industry faces. He also said competition from cheap natural gas will make it difficult for coal-mining to make a comeback. Nevertheless, he said there has been a recent upswing in energy activity in New Mexico.