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SENATE MEMORIAL 75

TH LEGISLATURE

- STATE OF NEW MEXICO -

FIRST SESSION

, 2007

INTRODUCED BY

Lynda M. Lovejoy

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

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.169396.1

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 SENATE OF THE STATE

OF NEW MEXICO that the department of health, in cooperation

with other appropriate state, tribal 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.

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