SENATE MEMORIAL 10

55th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2021

INTRODUCED BY

Siah Correa Hemphill

A MEMORIAL

URGING MEMBERS OF THE NEW MEXICO CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION AND ALL OTHER MEMBERS OF THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO RESTORE THE NATURE, ECONOMY AND SECURITY OF THE UNITED STATES AND MEXICO BORDER.

     WHEREAS, the border region uniting the United States and Mexico is an area of exceptional cultural and ecological diversity; and

     WHEREAS, a resilient border environment, sustainable economy and strong communities benefit both nations and strengthen their cooperation; and

     WHEREAS, extended drought has had a disproportionate impact on rural communities, farmers, ranchers and others dependent on water and irrigation in the desert; and

     WHEREAS, construction of the border wall has adversely affected streams, springs and wetlands near the border, many of which are sacred to indigenous peoples; and

     WHEREAS, border wall construction has severed migratory pathways for many species, including deer, bison, jaguars and other species of concern to the public and science; and

     WHEREAS, the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has led to hardship and a dramatic rise in unemployment, particularly for people of color and from other underrepresented groups who face systemic barriers to economic well-being; and

     WHEREAS, many of these same people hold traditional and experiential knowledge that is extremely valuable to restoring and sustaining productive livelihoods in the arid border region; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico has developed scientific understanding and practical tools for ecological restoration, sustainable land use and collaborative conservation addressing the very lands most impacted by recent federal border policies and most in need of immediate attention;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the United States congress be urged to pursue actions to immediately restore critical wildlife connections as an important first step toward conserving wildlife and protecting the integrity of the network of parks, natural areas and sacred sites that have been nurtured for generations on both sides of the border; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the United States congress be urged to fund restoration of highly degraded riverine, riparian and wetland habitats to protect natural resources and jump-start local economies by safeguarding water, the lifeblood for people, agriculture, industry and nature in the desert; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the United States congress be urged to provide for a new borderlands conservation corps, modeled after the successes of the civilian conservation corps, to train and provide opportunities for underemployed residents in the border region, address environmental justice by improving environmental quality in underserved communities, mitigate the environmental impacts of the border wall and ensure that conservation and economic development are carried forward together, at scales that tip the balance toward sustainable communities and secure borders; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the United States department of the interior, the United States department of agriculture and the United States department of homeland security be urged to carefully consider recommendations for addressing the need for restoration of the borderlands and to implement these recommendations in a timely and efficient manner, to the best of their ability, in close cooperation with the landowners, public servants and elected officials of New Mexico and neighboring states; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the New Mexico congressional delegation and the members of the United States congress.

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