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A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND OTHER

GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES UNDERTAKE A HEALTH STUDY OF RESIDENTS IN

THE FOUR CORNERS AREA OF THE STATE, WITH EMPHASIS ON

RESPIRATORY ILLNESSES.

WHEREAS, there are presently two coal-fired power plants

operating in the Four Corners region of the Navajo Nation that

generate significant amounts of air pollution; and

WHEREAS, there is a proposal to construct an additional

coal-fired power plant in the Four Corners region of the

Navajo Nation that may increase current levels of air

pollution in that region; and

WHEREAS, there are reports that residents of the Four

Corners region of the state suffer respiratory illnesses at a

rate that is significantly higher than that experienced by

state residents in general; and

WHEREAS, there may be a connection between the rate of

respiratory illnesses among residents of the Four Corners

region of the state and the levels of air pollution in that

region, but no studies have been undertaken to establish

whether such a relationship exists;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF

REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the department

of health, in cooperation with other appropriate state, tribal

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and federal agencies, be requested to undertake a health study

of residents in the Four Corners region of the state, with an

emphasis on respiratory illnesses; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be

transmitted to the governor, the secretary of health, the

secretary of Indian affairs, the president of the Navajo

Nation, the speaker of the Navajo Nation council, the federal

assistant secretary for Indian affairs and the director of the

Navajo area of the Indian health service.