US Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) spent a day meeting with oil and gas workers and their families in Hobbs on Wednesday, August 16. During the visit to Hobbs, Vasquez announced H.R. 5222, The Energy Workers Health Improvement And Compensation Fund Act, which he believes will prioritize the health care of energy workers and hold polluters and wealthy, out-of-state oil executives accountable. Vasquez compared the high profits and hefty paychecks for energy companies and executives to the low wages, poor benefits and dangerous working conditions for energy workers to highlight the need for such legislation.

“Oil and gas CEOs who are raking in record profits aren’t the heart of our energy economy, it’s the workers who risk their lives and health every day that power America’s energy economy,” said Vasquez. “That’s why I’m standing by the workers, not the oil barons. I’m focused on investing in the folks who have generated hundreds of millions in revenue for our state. This is hard work, and it’s dangerous and tireless – if oil executives are getting paid over $35 million, they can afford dignified health care for their employees. This bill helps level the playing field.”

According to a press release from Vasquez’s office, the proposed bill would designate a fund that would provide reimbursement to energy workers for health costs associated with poor air quality and intense heat. Energy companies would contribute to the fund “an amount equal to the compensation provided to their ten highest paid employees.”

Vasquez unveiled details about The Energy Workers Health Improvement And Compensation Fund Act in front of a gathering hosted by Somos Un Pueblo Unido, an immigrant and worker advocacy group in New Mexico. Hobbs and the surrounding community are an important part of the US’s energy production, with the Permian Basin supplying 40% of total national oil production.

“New Mexico relies heavily on oil and gas revenues, but lawmakers often ignore the grave cost to frontline communities and industry workers,” said Marcela Díaz, Executive Director of Somos Un Pueblo Unido. “Immigrant families in the Permian Basin are disproportionately impacted by inadequate enforcement of health and safety standards, long hours, and extreme work conditions. That’s why they are organizing and demanding adequate compensation, safer and better jobs, and more public investments in their families and communities.”

In 2022, Exxon Mobile’s CEO earned $35.9 million in total pay, while the median pay for Exxon’s workers fell by 9 percent.  Many oilfield workers feel they’re getting the short-end of the stick, dealing with mounting health care costs, no access to childcare and other economic problems while companies and executives reap the benefits of their hard work. Several local residents shared their specific struggles with Vasquez during the event.

“Our working conditions are inhumane. We do not receive fair compensation when injuries occur, or health problems emerge,” said Manuel Garfio, a former oil worker who is out of work because of an on-the-job vehicular accident and chronic illness. “I hope we can continue working with elected leaders like Congressman Vasquez to ensure our communities are included in conversations about worker’s rights.”

Oscar Gutierrez spoke about the difficulties of finding childcare. “I am thankful for the funds from oil that have been designated to education, but it’s not enough,” he explained. “My wife works as a teacher and we, like many families, still have trouble finding adequate childcare for our children.  We have a 5-year old daughter and a 10-year old son. There have been times when we have paid more for daycare than rent.”

Though H.R. 5222 specifically addresses some health issues linked to working in and around the oil and gas industry, Vasquez understands there is a wide variety of issues workers in the area face.

“This is just the first step to helping the energy workers who fuel our economy. I’m committed to supporting workers, and this bill is just one way to do that,” Vasquez told the Lea County Tribune. “Addressing all of their concerns is a priority of mine and higher wages, affordable childcare, quality education are all issues I am fighting for all New Mexicans across the district.”

When issues involving the oil and gas industry in southeastern New Mexico come up, people worry about the effects potential regulations or taxes could have on the job market. “What we’ve seen is record profits,” said Vasquez. “Oil production in the Permian has increased nearly every year since 2013, regardless of which party has been in charge. We can increase the health and safety of the people who live here without affecting their jobs. If Exxon can afford to pay their CEO $35 million a year they can afford to help their workers with doctors payments for their child’s asthma.”

The efforts of Somos Un Pueblo Unido have managed to engage many young people in the community who have a unique perspective on the economy and what this area has to offer for them. “I don’t want to end up working in the oil industry,” said Naima, an 18-year old graduate of Hobbs High School. “I don’t want to leave my family and my community. It’s not fair that we young people have to leave our homes to look for careers and opportunities outside our rural communities.”

“It’s also an unfair wage,” 17-year old Genesis stated during her time to speak to Vasquez and the group. “I would like us to have more job and educational options for  young people like me, jobs that are safer and don’t harm the community. It’s important to have jobs with training in clean energy so that in the future we don’t depend on oil. We deserve more.”

Voters and residents can learn more about Vasquez’s positions on the issues or H.R. 5222 at his website or by contacting his office at (202) 225-2365.

Editor’s note: The event hosted by Somos Un Pueblo Unido was conducted entirely in Spanish. Quotes from the event have been translated into English for our readers.