HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL 19

48th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2008

INTRODUCED BY

Joni Marie Gutierrez

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT TO IDENTIFY AN APPROPRIATE AND SIGNIFICANT FUNDING MECHANISM TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY EFFORTS TO REDUCE GREENHOUSE GASES THROUGH RECYCLING; REQUESTING THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TO CREATE SUPPORT STRATEGIES AND INCENTIVES FOR BUSINESSES THAT PROCESS RECYCLABLES AND THAT MANUFACTURE RECYCLED-CONTENT PRODUCTS.

     WHEREAS, recycling conserves energy, reduces water usage, preserves our natural resources and conserves valuable landfill space; and

     WHEREAS, recycling is an economically valuable activity that generates jobs and prevents the wasting of millions of dollars of resources deposited in landfills; and

     WHEREAS, recycling activities significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico's recycling rate, as reported by the department of environment, is only nine and seven-tenths percent when compared to the national average of thirty-two percent; and

     WHEREAS, a statewide educational campaign is essential to change habits regarding reducing, reusing and recycling; and

     WHEREAS, incentives for businesses to process and consume recyclables are needed to increase recycling; and

     WHEREAS, significant state grants to local communities for the development of recycling infrastructure and education are needed;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the department of environment be requested to work with the New Mexico recycling coalition to develop legislation that will establish significant funding to support community infrastructure to reduce, reuse and recycle resources in New Mexico's solid waste stream and to provide educational grants to spread information to encourage reduction, reuse and recycling of resources commonly considered solid waste; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the department of environment be requested to develop strategies to expand the department's recycling technical assistance program and to launch an effective, long-term statewide education campaign; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the economic development department be requested to work with the New Mexico recycling coalition, the department of taxation and revenue and the office of the governor to develop tax incentive legislation and program strategies to gain more recycling processors and recycled-content manufacturers in the state; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the department of environment and the economic development department report to an appropriate interim legislative committee on the departments' strategies to increase recycling, reuse and reduction of resources unnecessarily deposited in landfills in New Mexico; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of environment, the secretary of economic development and the New Mexico recycling coalition.

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