45th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2002

REQUESTING THE NEW MEXICO CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRIES COMMISSION TO REVIEW ITS RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL BUILDING ENERGY CODES IN AN EFFORT TO UPDATE AND IMPROVE THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF NEW MEXICANS' HOMES, BUSINESSES, OFFICES AND SCHOOLS, THEREBY SAVING THEM AND THE STATE MONEY.

WHEREAS, New Mexico is experiencing the adverse economic effects of tight conventional energy supplies and energy transmission and distribution constraints in the west; and

WHEREAS, these adverse economic effects in the form of higher energy prices hurt our quality of life and disproportionately impact low-income and elderly New Mexicans; and

WHEREAS, the harmful repercussions of higher energy prices can be greatly minimized or eliminated through diligent and persistent efforts to conserve energy whenever feasible and appropriate; and

WHEREAS, energy prices paid by New Mexico citizens, businesses and government can be stabilized or lowered through energy conservation and efficiency; and

WHEREAS, new energy-saving technologies and techniques are currently available that could be incorporated in building practices throughout New Mexico at little or no cost; and

WHEREAS, the state of New Mexico's commercial building energy code is over fifteen years old; and

WHEREAS, the state of New Mexico's residential building energy code is over ten years old; and

WHEREAS, updating and improving the state's building energy codes will result in both economic and environmental benefits to New Mexico and its citizens; and

WHEREAS, construction costs can often be reduced by improving building envelope performance, thereby allowing the downsizing of mechanical equipment; and

WHEREAS, at its annual meeting in August of 2001, the western governors' association unanimously adopted a resolution entitled Western States' Energy Policy Roadmap, which includes a policy to "review and improve the energy efficiency of building codes in western states and tribal lands", and if implemented, such a policy could help New Mexico address the long-term energy needs of the state; and WHEREAS, the horrific acts of terrorism experienced by this country on September 11, 2001 have underscored the need for measures that can reduce domestic energy consumption and reliance on foreign oil, thereby increasing our nation's energy independence;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the construction industries commission be requested to review its residential and commercial building energy codes so as to update and improve the energy efficiency of New Mexico citizens' homes, businesses, offices and schools thereby saving money; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the regulation and licensing department and the energy, minerals and natural resources department be directed to work cooperatively with the construction industries commission toward improving the state's residential and commercial building energy codes; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that New Mexico licensed architects, engineers, contractors and homebuilders, as well as other individuals and organizations involved in the building construction trade, be encouraged to participate in the process of improving the state's residential and commercial building energy codes; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the construction industries commission, the regulation and licensing department and the energy, minerals and natural resources department and that the construction industries commission forward copies to the appropriate building construction trade groups or organizations.