44th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2000

REQUESTING CONGRESS TO ENACT THE CONSERVATION AND REINVESTMENT ACT AND MAKE APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND AT ITS AUTHORIZED LEVEL.

WHEREAS, congress established the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act, the Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Act and the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act as means of investing in the environment and in our communities; and

WHEREAS, the challenges of maintaining and preserving New Mexico's unique wildlife habitat and outdoor recreational opportunities are becoming increasingly difficult; and

WHEREAS, human demands are increasing for recreational pursuits, economic benefits, community bonding and caring for the environment; and

WHEREAS, all these demands on the environment exemplify the need to invest carefully in enhancements to our quality of life; and

WHEREAS, congress is considering enactment of the Conservation and Reinvestment Act to finance the land and water conservation fund and other programs with federal offshore mineral leasing revenues to enhance our communities' quality of life; and

WHEREAS, the Conservation and Reinvestment Act will conserve open space and acquire natural areas for preservation as population increases and rapid changes occur in land use and availability; and

WHEREAS, New Mexico has immensely benefited in the past from acquisition of land for and creation of neighborhood parks, open space, wildlife habitat, baseball parks, soccer fields, picnic areas, bike trails, playgrounds and scenic areas and the preservation of cultural sites; and

WHEREAS, the land and water conservation fund can be used to acquire conservation easements for habitat conservation and provision of recreational opportunities for New Mexico citizens; and

WHEREAS, these investments serve as economic catalysts, benefiting the community and the environment;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that congress be requested to enact the Conservation and Reinvestment Act and in future appropriations to fund the land and water conservation fund at its authorized level; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the New Mexico congressional delegation, the president and the council on environmental quality.