Steve Cortes, founder of the League of American Workers, said that U.S. natural gas reserves are extensive enough to support energy needs for generations, as debate continues over the role of fossil fuels in the country’s energy mix.
His comments come as New Mexico—one of the nation’s top natural gas-producing states—continues to balance state clean energy mandates with its role as a major fossil fuel producer. Much of the state’s output is tied to the Permian Basin, one of the most productive oil and gas regions in the country.
The remarks were made during an appearance on the Powering America Podcast produced by Atlas Point Media, where Cortes discussed New Mexico and Pennsylvania as states with significant natural gas reserves. He contrasted those resources with what he described as limitations of large-scale wind energy in meeting consistent industrial power demand.
“Wind power is a multi-billion dollar scam. Wind does not work anywhere. It is literally a scam. We have literally centuries of supply of natural gas,” Cortes said.
New Mexico ranks among the top natural gas-producing states in the country and accounts for roughly 8% of total U.S. natural gas gross withdrawals in recent years. The state also holds about 8% of proved U.S. natural gas reserves and produces significantly more gas than it consumes, making it a net energy exporter, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
More broadly, the United States holds substantial natural gas resources, with proved reserves estimated at about 691 trillion cubic feet and significantly larger technically recoverable resources. Natural gas remains a key source of dispatchable power generation, providing consistent electricity output compared with intermittent renewable sources that often require backup systems to maintain grid stability, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Cortes founded the League of American Workers and serves as its president; he has a background in finance and political advising having previously served in the Trump administration on economic and policy matters.
