House Energy, Environment & Natural Resources Committee holds organizational meeting; no bills yet

Chair Matthew McQueen convened the first organizational meeting of the House Energy, Environment & Natural Resources Committee and told members the session was intended to be a brief, get‑organized meeting with no bills on the agenda.

The meeting opened with members introducing themselves and noting the geographic scope of their districts. Representatives who spoke included Nathan Small (House District 36), John Henry (House District 54), Michelle Abada (House District 69), Rod Montoya (ranking minority member, House District 1), Elaine Cineportez (House District 62), Miguel Garcia (House District 14), Mark Murphy (House District 59) and Debbie Serrani (House District 21). Committee staff and analysts introduced themselves as well, including Nina Riggio (committee assistant), Brady McCartney (committee analyst) and Kayce Picocci (staff).

McQueen reviewed committee norms and logistics. He asked members to submit lengthy or written committee substitute amendments 24 hours in advance so analysts can review them, noting that the committee does allow some minor on‑the‑floor amendments. "We do do amendments on apply in this committee for for minor things," he said. He also said, "we have a grand total of 0 referrals," indicating no bills had been formally referred to the committee at that time.

On scheduling, McQueen said he preferred to avoid Saturday meetings where possible because overlapping committee obligations and floor session timing can compress committee time. He asked members to be punctual and warned that early floor sessions in the House can pinch committee schedules. McQueen also said he expected to meet Tuesday if the speaker read bills into the calendar and that he would distribute an agenda by Monday morning.

Members praised the committee's working relationship and urged efficiency in debate and public comment. Ranking member Rod Montoya thanked the chair for the cooperative tone and said the minority "really just wants to be able to, be able to, do what we are sent here to do, which is, represent our communities." He urged members and public commenters not to be repetitive so the minority can have time to debate issues.

The chair announced a committee dinner scheduled for Feb. 4 at 6:00 (location listed in the meeting materials as "Orno," described in the record as downtown). He closed the meeting after briefly answering procedural questions and adjourned.

The committee did not take formal actions or hold votes during this session; members primarily used the time for introductions and to set process expectations for the upcoming 30‑day session.