A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT BOARD TO CONSIDER REVISING ITS CURRENT REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO OPEN BURNING.

     WHEREAS, current open burning regulations adopted by the environmental improvement board may be imposing hardship on citizens in rural areas of New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, when adopting plans for the regulation and abatement of air pollution, the environmental improvement board must recognize the differences, needs, requirements and conditions within the geographic area of the board's jurisdiction; and

     WHEREAS, with public participation and input, the environmental improvement board may be able to adopt revised open burning regulations that alleviate the burden on rural residents;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the environmental improvement board be requested to consider revising its current regulations pertaining to open burning in New Mexico; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that in considering revisions, the environmental improvement board confer with representatives of the geographic areas that are substantially affected by the board's open burning regulations and take into account new ideas and methods of controlling air pollution; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the environmental improvement board report its progress in considering revisions of its open burning regulations to the appropriate interim legislative committee by November 1, 2005; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the department of environment and the environmental improvement board.