REQUESTING THE NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO DIRECT THE APPROPRIATE COMMITTEE TO DEVELOP RECOMMENDATIONS ON WATER BANKING LEGISLATION.

WHEREAS, the surface waters of nearly all stream systems of the state are fully appropriated and their underlying aquifers are being rapidly depleted; and

WHEREAS, continued growth of the population in New Mexico will place more demands on these already limited water supplies; and

WHEREAS, traditional water users are being pressured to give up their water rights; and

WHEREAS, there are no incentives in current law to reduce consumptive water use; and

WHEREAS, current law does not provide the clear authority to share water among different users for different beneficial uses; and

WHEREAS, current law precludes moving quickly and reliably from one use to another; and

WHEREAS, instituting water banking may result in better management of the waters of the state while addressing concerns of traditional users;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the New Mexico legislative council be requested to direct the appropriate committee to develop recommendations on water banking and to report its findings to the legislative council by January 1, 2002; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the New Mexico legislative council.