REQUESTING THAT THE LEGISLATURE SUPPORT STATE ACTION TO REINFORCE NEW MEXICO AS THE WORLD LEADER IN HYDROGEN AND FUEL CELL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AND IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF RELATED FUEL CELL INDUSTRY CLUSTERS.

WHEREAS, the interest in and awareness of energy issues is rising on a national and international scale; and

WHEREAS, the United States department of energy's hydrogen and fuel cell programs are expected to grow pursuant to emerging national energy policy and concern for energy, environmental and economic security; and

WHEREAS, New Mexico is now ready to take a national leadership role in research, development, manufacturing and integration of hydrogen energy technology products and systems and the fuel cell is a technology that holds great promise for meeting the world's future energy needs; and

WHEREAS, for more than twenty-five years, New Mexico has led the world in hydrogen and fuel cell research and development, and these technologies offer New Mexico a way to use its vast natural resources, strong business base and educational and research institutions to produce clean, abundant energy, grow jobs, increase its research base and reduce the nation's dependence on imported oil; and

WHEREAS, the economic development department has developed a statewide plan for fuel cell research and development that includes programs that encourage industry to locate fuel cell and hydrogen-related research, manufacturing or service operations in New Mexico; remove state-controlled barriers; leverage state resources, including incentive programs that focus on bringing hydrogen and fuel cell technologies to the state's rural communities; encourage adoption of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies in state government buildings and vehicle fleets; and develop the economy through job creation and job training;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that, during the 2003 legislative interim, the secretary of economic development be requested to appear before the appropriate interim committee and report on the economic development department's plan for hydrogen and fuel cell research and development in New Mexico, as well as on any suggested legislation; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of economic development and the governor.