Rep. Vasquez Demands Answers from Pentagon on Delayed Approvals for Energy Projects

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) sent a letter to the Department of Defense raising urgent concerns about major delays in the Office of Energy, Installations, and Environment's approval of energy project agreements. Vasquez noted that these approval delays are holding back critical energy development in New Mexico and across the country, putting national security at risk and potentially preventing energy prices for New Mexicans from being lowered during a period when energy costs are at an all-time high.

Rep. Vasquez called on the Department's Office of Energy, Installations, and Environment to provide immediate transparency into why these mitigation agreements have reportedly stalled for months, despite prior approvals from the Federal Aviation Administration.

"New Mexico is uniquely positioned to power our nation and support our military readiness," wrote Vasquez. "From oil and gas in the Permian Basin to our vast solar, wind, and geothermal potential, we have the resources to strengthen America's energy independence and national security. But right now, unnecessary delays in Washington are standing in the way."

New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District is home to key military installations, including White Sands Missile Range and Holloman Air Force Base, which rely on consistent, resilient energy sources to maintain operational readiness. According to Department of Defense testimony earlier this year, the vast majority of military energy is sourced off-base - making partnerships with local energy producers essential for national security.

"At a time when Americans are facing high energy costs and our grid is under increasing strain, we cannot afford bureaucratic slowdowns that jeopardize both affordability and national security," Vasquez continued. "Energy producers in New Mexico are ready to deliver-but they need the federal government to act."

In his letter, Rep. Vasquez requested detailed information from the Department, including:

• Whether mitigation agreements have been paused or suspended, and why
• The number of agreements executed in the past six months versus those still pending
• A clear timeline for resuming and completing agreement approvals
• The criteria used to review and prioritize these projects

Rep. Vasquez has asked the Department to respond by May 26, 2026.

"Supporting responsible energy development and ensuring our military installations have reliable power should not be mutually exclusive goals," Vasquez added. "We can-and must-do both."

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