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Lt. Governor Diane Denish speaks during the first day of the regional Economic Development Forum at McGee Park on Monday.
FARMINGTON — Lt. Gov. Diane Denish, addressing the Northwest New Mexico Economic Development Forum on Monday in Farmington, emphasized a need to include oil and gas producers while developing new renewable energy sources statewide.

Addressing government and business leaders from San Juan, McKinley and Cibola counties participating in the two-day forum hosted at McGee Park, Denish focused on the need for a "comprehensive energy policy" that protects the extractive industries while providing incentives for green energy innovation and development.

"We have an opportunity to be leaders when it comes to energy in New Mexico. That means having a comprehensive energy policy. It does not mean throwing out the natural gas and the oil and gas economy for an alternative energy economy," Denish said.

But much of the new energy innovation has fallen on the state's established energy infrastructure. Such companies must continue to play a vital role in developing viable alternatives to fossil fuels, she said.

"We are investing in alternative energy all over New Mexico. ... We should not be afraid to continue to do what's going to be creating the jobs in the future. Energy is where we have the No. 1 best position to be in the lead. We have all the natural resources as well as all the human capital to make it happen here in New Mexico."

Denish, a candidate for governor in 2010, also addressed the need to promote small business opportunities and continue to create education

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programs that engage students by offering a range of work force training.

The regional forum, hosted by the Northwest New Mexico Council

of Governments, is designed for regional leaders to interact and identify potential solutions to create new jobs in the Four Corners area.

Northwest New Mexico Council of Governments Deputy Director Jeff Kiely commended Denish's approach to transitioning energy development but questioned the statewide support for the region's energy industries.

"If you're serious about this, how can you help us protect and continue to promote legitimate energy development activity in the region in a way that meets environmental regulation and so on, but doesn't go overboard so we can feasibly get that done," Kiely said. "The case needs to be made, and few can make it better than the folks that are doing business in San Juan County."

James Monteleone:

jmonteleone@daily-times.com

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  • The regional economic development forum continues today at McGee Park. More information is available at the Northwest New Mexico Council of

    Governments Web site at www.nwnmcog.com.