SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL 45

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

INTRODUCED BY

Phil A. Griego

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO APPOINT A TASK FORCE TO STUDY THE NEED FOR IMPROVED REGULATION OF COMMERCIAL WIND FACILITIES.

     WHEREAS, utility-scale wind-powered electric generation facilities are almost completely unregulated; and

     WHEREAS, the total environmental impact and ultimate viability of proposed utility-scale wind facilities should be taken into consideration to determine if they are truly responsible renewables; and

     WHEREAS, the siting of the current or planned industrial- scale wind facilities does not fall under public regulation commission review; and

     WHEREAS, the protection of public health through safety standards, including setback standards from homes and noise limit standards that include hazardous low-frequency noise, should be considered; and

     WHEREAS, protection of the environment, including scenery, historic sites and wildlife corridors, as well as night skies, should be taken into account; and

     WHEREAS, a code of ethics for the wind power industry that guarantees procedural transparency to residents and provides for oversight of the industry is necessary;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the New Mexico legislative council be requested to form a task force for the 2009 interim to study the need for improved regulation of commercial wind facilities in New Mexico; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that at least six public members be appointed to the task force and that they represent communities and interests that have been affected by the siting of commercial wind facilities in the state; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force consider the concerns expressed in this memorial and make its recommendations to the second session of the forty-ninth legislature by December 1, 2009; and

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

- 2 -