REQUESTING AN INTERIM COMMITTEE TO STUDY THE IMPACT OF POWER PLANTS ON WATER, NATURAL RESOURCES AND THE ECONOMY AND TO REPORT TO THE LEGISLATURE.

WHEREAS, the state's water and natural resources are critical to New Mexico's economic and ecological well-being; and

WHEREAS, housing and economic developments will place a significant demand on our already burdened water and natural resources; and

WHEREAS, power plants are a necessary part of a community's development; and

WHEREAS, past experience with poorly planned development and expansion has demonstrated the need for assessment and oversight;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the New Mexico legislative council be requested to instruct the appropriate interim committee to study the impact of power plants on New Mexico's water, natural resources and economy; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that in studying these issues, the interim committee take into consideration the amount of water used and how it is disposed of by power plants; the economic impact and employment opportunities that result from new power plants; the effects that power plants have on the environment and what pollution-control technologies they use; and the availability and feasibility of alternative sources of energy to power plants; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the interim committee be requested to report its findings to the first session of the forty-sixth legislature; and

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