Shelby Castello, Albuquerque Journal | March 13th, 2022As tensions continue to intensify overseas following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the need to reduce our country’s reliance on foreign oil and gas is crucial. With record high inflation rates and gas prices soaring, I have never wished for our country’s prosperity more than I do now. As a lifelong resident of the Land of Enchantment, I have seen the state of New Mexico through both the good and bad. The Interior Department released its long-awaited report assessing the federal leasing program and decided to raise royalty fees for oil and gas leasing, triggering uncertainty for the future of federal leasing. I worry about the impact this news will have on our commonwealth with the steps the Biden administration has taken to weaken U.S. energy leadership, at a time when energy security is paramount.