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A MEMORIAL

ENCOURAGING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A REGIONAL AIR QUALITY

AUTHORITY COMPOSED OF BERNALILLO COUNTY, SANDOVAL COUNTY,

VALENCIA COUNTY, THE CITY OF ALBUQUERQUE AND OTHER

MUNICIPALITIES WITHIN THE REGION.

WHEREAS, air quality is vitally important to the health

and well-being of the residents of the municipalities and

unincorporated portions of Bernalillo, Sandoval and Valencia

counties; and

WHEREAS, the region encompassing Bernalillo, Valencia

and Sandoval counties is experiencing substantial growth in

residential and commercial development; and

WHEREAS, factors such as land use, transportation and

manufacturing may all impact air quality individually and

cumulatively; and

WHEREAS, the governmental entities in the region should

be encouraged to develop uniform standards with respect to

air quality permitting and enforcement that would provide

better protection for the region's air quality and provide a

uniform process for permit applicants; and

WHEREAS, the combining of the resources of the

governmental entities in the region addressing air quality

issues should be encouraged to maximize efficiencies in

personnel, resources and knowledge; and

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WHEREAS, a regional air quality board would be better

staffed and equipped to develop effective strategies to

regulate emissions without imposing undue burdens on permit

applicants; and

WHEREAS, the oversight and control of air quality issues

in the region would be performed best by a single agency;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE

STATE OF NEW MEXICO that Bernalillo, Sandoval and Valencia

counties, and the municipalities contained therein, be

encouraged to establish a regional air quality authority; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be

transmitted to the boards of commissioners of Bernalillo,

Sandoval and Valencia counties and to the governing bodies of

the cities of Albuquerque, Bernalillo, Corrales, Rio Rancho,

Belen and Los Lunas.