SENATE MEMORIAL 42

50th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2011

INTRODUCED BY

Howie Morales

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TO IDENTIFY BENEFITS AND BARRIERS TO DEVELOPING RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCES AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO PROMOTE THE DEVELOPMENT AND USE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCES AND ASSOCIATED TRANSMISSION OF ELECTRICITY IN NEW MEXICO.

     WHEREAS, New Mexico has abundant, untapped renewable energy resources, including wind, solar and geothermal energy, that could be used to generate electricity; and

     WHEREAS, a variety of institutional, governmental and economic barriers to the development of New Mexico's renewable energy resources exists, including a lack of infrastructure, market barriers and perceived high costs of development; and

     WHEREAS, demand for electricity generated from renewable energy resources currently exceeds the existing capacity to generate electricity using renewable energy resources; and

     WHEREAS, the lines for the transmission of electricity and other renewable energy initiatives under consideration within New Mexico, such as wind turbines and solar array capabilities, have the potential to interfere with the missions and training exercises performed at White Sands missile range and other military installations; and

     WHEREAS, the development of renewable energy resources to generate electricity in New Mexico has the potential to create additional tax revenues for the state and for local governments; and

     WHEREAS, development of the state's renewable energy resources could allow New Mexicans access to sufficient energy to sustain their quality of life while reducing their reliance upon nonrenewable energy resources and thereby preserving a safe, healthy environment; and

     WHEREAS, residents of New Mexico as well as energy consumers beyond New Mexico's borders would benefit from the development of renewable energy resources and an increase in the capacity of electrical transmission utilizing renewable energy resources;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the economic development department be requested to identify the benefits and barriers to developing renewable energy resources and make recommendations to promote the development and use of renewable energy resources and associated transmission of electricity in New Mexico; and

      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the economic development department consult with the public regulation commission, the New Mexico renewable energy transmission authority, the energy, minerals and natural resources department, the military base planning commission, the state land office, the United States bureau of land management, electric utilities operating in New Mexico, independent transmission companies, United States military installations in New Mexico, conservation and environmental organizations, renewable energy generator companies and others to assemble the requested information and recommendations; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a report of the findings and recommendations of the economic development department be presented to the appropriate interim legislative committee by October 2012; and

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

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