Gov. Ducey joins other regional governors to sign joint agreement

Today, Governors Doug Ducey (R-AZ), Susana Martinez (R-NM), and Claudia Pavlovich (SO-MEX) gathered to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding natural gas and international commerce

The MOU aims to “streamline the international distribution of natural gas, supporting economic development and global commerce for the region.”

“This agreement supports economic development in our region, while working to implement needed efficiencies and infrastructure in the production and sale of natural gas,” Ducey said. “In Arizona, we know how to collaborate to achieve shared goals. I’m proud to come together with our neighbors in New Mexico and Sonora to support growing international energy demands through this interstate partnership that benefits our entire region.”

The accord supports Sonora, New Mexico, and Arizona’s “shared vision of international cooperation and commitment to promoting interstate relations and recognizing the opportunity to satisfy a growing energy demand in Asia.”

“I certainly want to thank Governor Claudia Pavlovich and, of course, Governor Doug Ducey for their cooperation, who are helping us bring together a relationship that allows for natural resources to be sent to Taiwan as they diversify their energy,” Martinez said. “I can’t tell you what an honor it is for us to be able to do this, collaborate, for the betterment of the living conditions of our people.”

The interstate agreement supports the promotion of investment, research and innovation between the three states when it relates to the production or sale of natural gas.

With clean-burning natural gas currently being “produced in New Mexico, transmitted internationally through Arizona, and distributed through the sea-port in Guaymas, Sonora,” the MOU will promote the production and transmission of these gases.

The state’s responsibilities will be:

New Mexico will facilitate and deliver New Mexican natural gas to Asia via existing and new infrastructure; Arizona will develop natural gas infrastructure and facilities necessary to transport natural gas between New Mexico and Sonora; Sonora will facilitate the development of natural gasses and liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure and facilities necessary to transport natural gas from New Mexico to Sonoran ports.

“I’m very glad to sign this MOU between Arizona, New Mexico, and Sonora. This [transports] the [natural gas] from New Mexico that’s going through Arizona and then through our ports in Sonora and then to the final destination of Asia. So, this is a great opportunity to [build] a relationship that has us work together,” Pavlovich said.

New Mexico is among the top ten natural gas-producing states in the U.S. The state currently produces 3.7 billion cubic feet per day and is expected to reach 4 billion cubic feet per day by 2022.

The MOU was effective today and will be valid for four years.

To read the entire MOU, click here.