HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL 33

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

INTRODUCED BY

Nathan P. Cote

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE NEW MEXICO DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TO STUDY METHODS TO INCENTIVIZE THE BIODIESEL INDUSTRY IN NEW MEXICO.

     WHEREAS, the recent energy shortages and fluctuation in fuel prices contributed to the current economic decline, with its hardships of unemployment, home foreclosures and investment losses; and

     WHEREAS, alternative energy development is key to moving the country into the twenty-first century and improving economic opportunities; and

     WHEREAS, to that end, the legislature in 2007 enacted Senate Conservation Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 489, which required state and local agencies using diesel fuel to use five percent biodiesel fuel in their vehicles; and

     WHEREAS, only two known biodiesel plants exist in New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, distribution of the product is very limited and, therefore, the biodiesel industry is stymied;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the New Mexico department of agriculture, with the cooperation of the economic development department, be requested to study the biodiesel industry and assess methods to incentivize the industry; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the New Mexico department of agriculture report its findings and recommendations to the appropriate interim committee of the legislature by December 1, 2009; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the director of the New Mexico department of agriculture and the secretary of economic development.

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