HOUSE MEMORIAL 87

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

INTRODUCED BY

Mimi Stewart

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO DIRECT THE INTERIM COMMITTEE THAT ADDRESSES WATER AND NATURAL RESOURCES ISSUES TO HEAR TESTIMONY ON FEED-IN TARIFFS FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY.

     WHEREAS, feed-in tariffs, or renewable energy payments, are the most successful renewable energy policy in the world; and 

     WHEREAS, compared to other policies, feed-in tariffs result in the greatest amount of renewable energy on the grid with the least cost to the ratepayers and the distribution system; and

     WHEREAS, the world bank, the European Union and independent auditors, such as Ernst & Young, have recognized the lower cost and superior effectiveness of feed-in tariffs; and

     WHEREAS, at least twenty-four of the world's most developed nations use some form of feed-in tariffs rather than renewable energy credits or renewable portfolio standards, including the world leaders in renewable energy, Germany, Japan, Spain, Denmark and others; and

     WHEREAS, twelve states and the federal government have already introduced some form of feed-in tariff legislation; and

     WHEREAS, the state of New Mexico, rich in renewable energy resources, such as solar, wind, geothermal and biomass energy, seeks to become a leader in renewable energy economic development; and

     WHEREAS, the state of New Mexico's national laboratories and renewable energy entrepreneurs are already well-developed and capable of generating significant value for both the economy and the environment of New Mexico and the world through renewable energy development;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the New Mexico legislative council be requested to direct the interim committee assigned to address water and natural resources issues to hear testimony on the possible benefits of enacting feed-in tariffs in New Mexico; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the co-chairs of the New Mexico legislative council.

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