New Mexico Senator Martin Heinrich remains committed to the value of bipartisanship even as he faces significant criticism from his own party over a controversial permitting bill. In an interview with the Albuquerque Journal, the three-term senator addressed the backlash from Democratic colleagues and Native American leaders regarding his role in crafting the legislation. He acknowledged the personal difficulty of working across party lines, stating that it is challenging to disagree with friends, but emphasized that such moments often define leadership.
Heinrich co-authored the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act, known as BAAJA, with Senators Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, Mike Lee of Utah, and Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia. The bill recently cleared a major procedural hurdle in the Senate, though it still has a lengthy path ahead before it can be sent to President Donald Trump’s desk by the end of the year.
Despite the bill’s progress, opposition within New Mexico’s all-Democratic congressional delegation has been vocal. Senator Ben Ray Luján voted against advancing the measure, citing concerns raised by tribal leaders and environmental organizations. Representatives Melanie Stansbury and Teresa Leger Fernández have also spoken out against the legislation. Student-led protests took place in both Albuquerque and Santa Fe last month, driven by fears that the bill would facilitate the construction of fossil fuel projects and data centers in the state.
Recognizing the intensity of the opposition, Heinrich indicated he is open to further amendments as the bill moves forward. He described the current political landscape as hyper-partisan, making it difficult to find common ground. Supporters of the bill argue it would streamline federal permitting for energy projects such as transmission lines and pipelines. It also includes specific provisions requiring data centers to cover the costs of connecting to electric grids, thereby protecting utility ratepayers from bearing those expenses.
Critics, including environmental groups and the All Pueblo Council of Governors, contend that the legislation weakens existing environmental protections, such as the Clean Water Act. Joey Sanchez, former governor of Santa Ana Pueblo and chairman of the council, stated that the bill was written without consulting tribal leaders and would undermine laws protecting water, cultural resources, and sacred places.
Looking ahead to January, when Democrats are expected to take the majority in the Senate following last week’s election results, Heinrich noted that bipartisan support will still be necessary to pass legislation. He expressed a willingness to negotiate with the Trump administration to avoid gridlock and potential veto threats. This political maneuvering comes as Heinrich prepares to assume the chairmanship of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, having previously served as the ranking member.
As the new committee chair, Heinrich has identified public lands protections and data center regulations as his top priorities. He plans to focus on community-driven conservation bills to protect iconic public lands, a response to recent proposals that drew widespread opposition for selling off federal lands or downsizing national monuments. Heinrich, who is an avid outdoorsman, emphasized the need for local input in conservation efforts.
The debate over data centers is particularly acute in New Mexico, where the construction of the Project Jupiter campus near Santa Teresa has sparked national discussion. Lawmakers in several states have proposed moratoriums on new large-scale developments. Heinrich believes Congress should take a more active role, noting that current regulatory structures allow grid update costs to be passed on to customers.
Heinrich also commented on the midterm election results, which he attributed to voter frustration with the economy and the administration’s handling of the war in Iran. He stated that voters are seeking ways to make their lives more affordable and are urging Congress and the administration to act accordingly.
