HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL 20

49th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2009

INTRODUCED BY

Andy Nuñez

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE NEW MEXICO CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO SUPPORT ESTABLISHING A SINGLE NATIONWIDE STANDARD FOR NEW MOTOR VEHICLE EMISSIONS.

     WHEREAS, the federal Clean Air Act allows each state to adopt either the federal vehicle pollutant emission standard or the California vehicle pollutant emission standard; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico has joined thirteen other states adopting the California clean car standards; and

     WHEREAS, there has been much debate on the advantages of both standards, and it is becoming increasingly clear that the nation needs one standard nationwide; and

     WHEREAS, the manufacturing of two versions of the same vehicle to comply with the federal and California standards is inherently inefficient; and

     WHEREAS, the New Mexico emission standards for new motor vehicles are in conflict with federal standards, creating unintended consequences to franchise automobile dealerships in New Mexico and across the country; and

     WHEREAS, these unintended conflicting standards are in opposition to the stated goal of improved air quality; and

     WHEREAS, the current economic stability of domestic automobile manufacturers demands that efficiencies be sought at every opportunity; and

     WHEREAS, taxpayers across the country are being asked to support financial assistance to domestic automobile manufacturers;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that congress be requested to adopt a single nationwide standard for new motor vehicle emissions; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the New Mexico congressional delegation and to the governor.

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