New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon have released a new infrastructure roadmap aimed at promoting Rocky Mountain natural gas as a low-carbon, cost-effective energy source for both U.S. and Asian markets. The announcement took place during the New Mexico and Wyoming Advanced Energy Roundtable, where the governors met with Japanese Ambassador Shigeo Yamada to discuss potential partnerships in energy and technology.
The “Rocky Mountain Gas Roadmap & Implementation Playbook,” developed by the Western States and Tribal Nations Energy (WSTN) Initiative, highlights key routes to transport natural gas from the Rockies to expanding domestic and international markets. Two main pathways are identified: the Pacific Northwest Pathway, which serves power markets in Utah, Idaho, and the Pacific Northwest; and the Southwest Pathway, which expands supplies to the Desert Southwest and Mexico. The Southwest route also provides faster access to Asian markets by avoiding the Panama Canal.
“New Mexico is ready to lead the way in unlocking the Rocky Mountain’s potential to create jobs and opportunity, strengthen international collaboration, and write the next chapter in global energy,” said Governor Lujan Grisham. “Putting the Rockies’ abundant energy to work benefits red and blue states by fueling our economies and the transition to clean energy.”
Governor Mark Gordon emphasized cooperation with Japan: “Both Wyoming and New Mexico have led the country in producing certified gas meeting UN standards, and Japan is particularly interested in that opportunity for cooperation and investment. We can provide natural gas resources very near-term—almost immediately—and this is just good business. It’s about moving into a future that meets climate concerns while making sure energy is there as demand continues to grow enormously.”
Japanese Ambassador Shigeo Yamada added, “This is a very informative and detailed introduction to the potential of Rocky Mountain natural gas, and it is very much appreciated by the Japanese. I hope today’s meeting will lead to further cooperation and economic partnership between Japan and the State of New Mexico.”
Jason Sandel, Chairman of WSTN, described the playbook as a resource for policymakers: “This playbook is the culmination of years of work and is designed as a tool to help policymakers and commercial actors seize the major opportunities that Rockies gas present to domestic markets seeking lower-carbon gas and the Asian nations that will drive global demand in the coming decades. We have the gas and the cleanest molecules of it. This playbook shows the way to the markets that need it.”
The release builds on Governor Lujan Grisham’s previous efforts, including an April trade mission where she met with Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to advance energy partnerships between Japan and states in America’s West.
According to project leaders, Rocky Mountain natural gas production remains cost-competitive with breakeven costs ranging from $3.10–$3.90 per MMBtu. Producers have made significant progress reducing methane emissions, offering low-carbon certified supplies from 277 trillion cubic feet of technically recoverable reserves suitable for regional or international use.
Funding for developing this roadmap came from several state agencies—including those from New Mexico, Wyoming, Utah—as well as tribal organizations such as Southern Ute Growth Fund, Jicarilla Apache Nation, and local governments from western Colorado counties. Guidehouse prepared the report under WSTN direction.
The full report can be accessed at https://www.governor.state.nm.us/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/WSTN-NatGas-Roadmap-10.16.25.pdf.
