ALBUQUERQUE – The former head of the New Mexico Environment Department was appointed Friday to lead an oil and gas group that represents producers around the state, a move that drew criticism from environmentalists concerned about a revolving door between government and industry.
The New Mexico Oil and Gas Association announced Ryan Flynn as its new executive director.
He replaces Steve Henke, who retired after six years on the job.
“Flynn’s background and experience in legal and regulatory affairs combined with his straightforward leadership and clear communication style are a great fit for our industry in these challenging times,” said Cliff Brunson, the association’s chairman.
Brunson said Flynn’s talents will be important as the industry looks for solid footing after a downturn prompted by the global decline in oil prices that has cost New Mexico jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue.
Flynn resigned as environment secretary in August, saying he wanted to spend more time with his wife and two young children.
Gov. Susana Martinez appointed Flynn in 2013 to lead the agency after a retirement forced her to reshuffle her cabinet. He previously was the environment department’s top lawyer for two years.
Flynn was the administration’s main negotiator for an agreement with federal regulators and the state’s largest utility for reducing pollution from a coal-fired power plant in northwestern New Mexico. He also oversaw settlement negotiations following a radioactive release at the federal government’s underground nuclear waste dump near Carlsbad.
Flynn also oversaw the crafting of regulations to address groundwater pollution by copper mines, sparking a legal challenge by environmental groups.
Ben Shelton, the political and legislative director of Conservation Voters New Mexico, suggested Friday that Flynn is “most interested in protecting oil and gas profits without any consideration for negative impacts on New Mexico families.”
As secretary, Flynn repeatedly dismissed similar criticisms.
