45th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2002

REQUESTING THE SECRETARY OF ENVIRONMENT TO DEVELOP LEGISLATION TO PROVIDE FOR IMPACT ANALYSES OF WASTE DISPOSAL ACTIVITIES.

WHEREAS, New Mexicans are facing proposals to dispose of large volumes of solid and hazardous waste, some from other states and countries; and

WHEREAS, the public health, economy, welfare and way of life may be affected in the communities near proposed waste disposal facilities and along the transportation routes to those sites; and

WHEREAS, state law does not now provide for:

A. an analysis of potential impacts of proposed waste disposal facilities on the environment, the economy or public services such as schools;

B. financing of emergency response services by the waste disposal facility operators; or

C. financial assurance for closure and post-closure care of the sites; and

WHEREAS, the legislature has provided for similar analyses regarding other activities such as mining;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the secretary of environment be requested to develop legislation that would require, prior to any formal action by the department of environment on new solid or hazardous waste facility permit applications:

A. an analysis of potential impacts of proposed waste disposal facilities on the environment, the economy and public services such as schools;

B. financing of emergency response services by the waste disposal facility operators; and

C. financial assurance for closure and post-closure care of the sites; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the secretary of environment present his findings and recommendations to the appropriate interim committee of the legislature by August 31, 2002; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of environment.