46th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2003

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE FORESTRY DIVISION TO ASSESS THE FEASIBILITY OF USING BIOMASS FROM SALT CEDAR REMOVAL AND WATERSHED RESTORATION PROJECTS FOR ELECTRIC POWER GENERATION.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

Section 1. APPROPRIATION.--

A. Three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000) is appropriated from the general fund to the energy, minerals and natural resources department for expenditure in fiscal year 2004 for the forestry division to assess the feasibility of using biomass from salt cedar and other undesirable woody vegetation removal and watershed restoration projects to generate electric power. The project shall include:

(1) an inventory of the supply of undesirable woody vegetation such as salt cedar, Russian olive, pinon and juniper on land that needs clearing and restoration to native plant species in the middle Rio Grande valley, the Pecos river valley and the northern upland rangelands;

(2) cooperation and consultation with federal, state, local and nonprofit organizations to implement the action plan; and

(3) preparation of an interdisciplinary action plan to remove undesirable woody species to enhance water quality and quantity, restoration of native plant species and wildlife habitat, promote fire prevention in the bosque, promote local industry and improve the environment.

B. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2004 shall revert to the general fund.