NEW MEXICO COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC LANDS (CONT.)
1. What qualifies you to be Commissioner of Public Lands?
Jeff’s work experience is broad, working as an environmental engineer on a Geoprobe rig installing micro-monitoring wells at a depth of 18 to 20 feet as a geologist and completing site delineation plans of numerous industrial sites from New York to California. He has installed and completed site remediation systems at various sites around the Southwest. Jeff is also a cattle rancher and works as a wind-miller on his own and neighboring ranchers’ wells. Jeff understands the importance of managing land while balancing our State’s resources and protecting the environment.
2. What are the greatest challenges facing the State Land Office?
As a steward of the land I have a responsibility to protect and manage our State’s land resources for the betterment of our citizens, our environment, and future. We must use our State’s resources in an environmentally responsible way.
3. How would you balance responsible stewardship of state trust lands with the need to generate revenues for the support of the beneficiaries?
I would recognize their needs to be a balance between protecting the environment, creating revenue for the State, and ensuring that citizens are best served.
4. Should the Land Commissioner improve enforcement of environmental regulations on state trust lands?
As a PRC commissioner, we have moved to enforce the ETA Environmental Transition Act. I have worked in a bipartisan manner and will continue to do so. My record speaks for itself.