Brian Schath

Brian Schath serves as the Economic Development Senior Advisor for the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED). He began his tenure with the Department in 2021 as a member of the Control Strategies Team within the Air Quality Bureau, where he contributed to the development of air quality programs and regulations.

During the 2022 legislative session, Brian took on a leadership role spearheading NMED’s hydrogen development initiative, established under Executive Order 2022-013. As the Deputy Program Director for the Western Interstate Hydrogen Hub, he coordinated with a broad, interdisciplinary effort involving multiple state agencies across New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah, as well as three U.S. Department of Energy national laboratories, major research universities, private industry partners, and research consortiums. His collaborative leadership helped advance regional strategies for low-carbon energy innovation and infrastructure development.

In 2023, Brian became one of the inaugural staff members of NMED’s newly formed Climate Change Bureau, contributing to statewide efforts to address greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable economic growth. Later that year, he joined Eastern Research Group (ERG) as an Air Quality Scientist, where he supported implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, conducted Clean Air Act permit inspections, and worked on permitting activities under New Mexico’s General Construction Permit program.

Brian holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Assessment and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies, both from the University of Kansas. His professional focus centers on bridging environmental stewardship and economic opportunity to advance projects that drive innovation, create jobs, and strengthen New Mexico’s clean energy economy.