Mayor Martin Chavez

Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez called last week's meetings with the Obama administration "positive" and said he foresees New Mexico's national laboratories playing an important role in the country's energy future.

Chavez was back in Albuquerque Sunday after his third meeting with the administration. He joined other city leaders from around the country to speak with the president about the $787 billion stimulus package.

Also on the mayor's agenda: speaking with the administration about talks to move nuclear labs from the Department of Energy to the Department of Defense. Chavez is opposed to the move.

"If they move the labs to the Department of Defense, that would lose part of their critical mission -- the emphasis on energy research," the mayor said. "Of course, alternative energy, renewable energy is going to be extraordinarily important for the future of the country."

The mayor said his talks with energy secretary Steven Chu were productive. Chavez believes the labs will stay under the Department of Energy's supervision.

Chavez's Washington visit was the third this year for him.