New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has proposed a gas rebate for taxpayers, citing the state’s revenue from the oil and gas industry. With nearly $825 million in revenue, the governor believes that some of this money should be returned to taxpayers.

What’s an ‘energy relief rebate’?

Lujan Grisham pointed to the high price of oil as the reason for the proposed rebate, stating that it is ‘draining New Mexicans’ wallets at the pump.’ The governor proposed taking some of the revenue from the oil and gas industry and returning it to taxpayers, with a suggested rebate of at least $250 for every taxpaying New Mexican.

The average price of gas in New Mexico was $3.84 per gallon as of June 29, with the average in Las Cruces being $3.73 per gallon. The New Mexico Legislature has yet to issue a statement on the proposed rebate, and no energy relief rebate has been approved.

Reaction to the Proposed Rebate

House Republican Leader Gail Armstrong questioned the timing of the proposal, stating that ‘if New Mexicans deserve tax relief today, why didn’t the Governor push this proposal when families were paying even higher gas prices over the last several years?’ Armstrong believes that New Mexicans need ‘permanent tax relief, not another one-time rebate that conveniently arrives during campaign season.’

Original reporting: Las Cruces Sun News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.