HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL 6

48th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2007

INTRODUCED BY

Don Tripp

FOR THE WATER AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE CREATION OF A COALITION FOR A CLEAN NEW MEXICO TO COMBAT ILLEGAL DUMPING THROUGHOUT THE STATE.

     WHEREAS, there is a consistent and potentially increasing problem of illegal dumping on private and public lands within New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, illegal dumping has a significant adverse impact on public health and safety, the environment, water quality and economic sustainability; and

     WHEREAS, recent rainfall throughout the state has demonstrated that areas are more susceptible to flooding when waste blocks ravines, creeks, culverts, arroyos and drainage basins as a result of illegal dumping; and

     WHEREAS, education is an essential component to address the issue of illegal dumping by promoting public awareness, providing information about legal options for proper disposal and recycling and by building consensus among citizens, government officials and private industry to find solutions to the problem; and

     WHEREAS, public participation and collaboration must be key components in identifying illegal dump sites, available resources and appropriate mitigation measures; in developing procedures for enforcement and prosecution; and in leveraging funding;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the department of environment, the United States department of the interior bureau of land management and the New Mexico association of counties be requested to form a coalition for a clean New Mexico composed of representatives of federal and state agencies, municipal and county governments, tribes, industry, nonprofit and environmental groups, recycling coalitions, solid waste authorities, soil and water conservation districts, religious groups and congressional staff to develop a strategy and make recommendations on policy direction, standards and planning to combat illegal dumping throughout New Mexico; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the coalition be requested to complete a strategic plan and present its recommendations for implementation to the appropriate committee of the legislature by January 1, 2008; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of environment, the United States secretary of the interior and the director of the New Mexico association of counties.

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