SENATE MEMORIAL 60

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

INTRODUCED BY

Sue Wilson Beffort

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT TO CONVENE A MEETING TO DEVELOP A PLAN TO MAXIMIZE THE USE OF BIODEGRADABLE WOOD CHIPS FOR THE BETTERMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT.

     WHEREAS, each year, millions of pounds of tree branches and debris are sent through chippers and made into wood mulch; and

     WHEREAS, these chips are reusable as mulch and help to create healthier soil when plowed into the earth; and

     WHEREAS, when spread on top of the ground, these wood chips hold in moisture and create a weed barrier; and

     WHEREAS, much of the volume of wood chips that is currently deposited at local landfills is being used as waste and could be used more productively in cities and communities; and

     WHEREAS, the potential exists for green-oriented businesses to serve as central distribution units or as entities holding wood chips for pickup by homeowners for their personal use; and

     WHEREAS, state agencies can and should use these chips along roadsides, in parks and for other landscaping projects;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the department of environment be requested to convene a meeting to develop a plan to maximize the use of biodegradable wood chips for the betterment of the environment; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that representatives from counties, municipalities and green-oriented organizations and businesses be invited to the meeting to participate in the development of the plan; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of environment.

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