Albert Chang appointed director of Oil Conservation Division

Michelle Lujan Grisham, Governor

Melanie Kenderdine, Cabinet Secretary

Ben Shelton, Deputy Cabinet Secretary

Erin Taylor , Deputy Cabinet Secretary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Sidney Hill

Public Information Officer, EMNRD

sidney.hill@emnrd.nm.gov

June 17, 2025

Albert Chang appointed director of Oil Conservation Division

SANTA FE, NM – Today, the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department announced the appointment of Albert C.S. Chang as the new director of the New Mexico Oil Conservation Division.

The New Mexico Oil Conservation Division (OCD) regulates the state’s oil and gas industry: protecting the environment and the rights of resource owners, ensuring balanced, consistent, and transparent regulatory enforcement, fostering efficiency and innovation in the energy sector, and preventing the waste of oil and gas resources.

A graduate of the University of Washington School of Law, Chang also holds a master’s degree in public administration and a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. He is a licensed professional engineer and a licensed attorney in New Mexico.

Chang currently serves as director of the state’s Mining and Minerals Division. Mike Tompson, director of MMD’s Abandoned Mine Lands Program, will become acting MMD director when Chang begins his new role on June 23. A search for a permanent MMD director is underway.

As MMD director, Chang led award-winning efforts to reclaim lands damaged by mining. He also helped MMD reduce permitting backlogs and ensured the responsible development of the state’s mineral resources.

“Albert has demonstrated exceptional leadership as MMD director,” said EMNRD Sec. Melanie Kenderdine . “I’m confident he will be equally effective at OCD.”

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve in this new role,” said Chang . “I will do my best to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to find pragmatic solutions that allow both our economy and our environment to thrive.”

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The Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department provides resource protection and renewable energy resource development services to the public and other state agencies. http://www.emnrd.nm.gov

Sidney Hill

Public Information Officer

New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD)

Email: sidney.hill@emnrd.nm.gov

Phone: 505-629-2900