SENATE MEMORIAL 40

50th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2012

INTRODUCED BY

George K. Munoz

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING A STUDY OF GAS-POWERED POWER PLANTS TO DETERMINE IF NATURAL GAS PRICES COULD BE MAINTAINED BY LICENSING FIVE REGIONALLY PLACED NATURAL GAS-POWERED POWER PLANTS IN THE STATE.

     WHEREAS, natural gas accounts for twenty-two percent of the energy used in the United States; and

     WHEREAS, environmental concerns about the use of coal in power production are causing the delay or cancellation of the development of coal-fired power plants, often requiring years for permitting and construction; and

      WHEREAS, in order to bridge increased power demand, clean-burning, natural gas-fired power plants may prove to be an effective alternative to coal-fired power plants due to shorter cycle times and operating flexibility; and

     WHEREAS, gas-fired electricity generation is expected to increase steadily over the next twenty years; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico may be poised to take advantage of the expansion of the natural gas-fired power sector;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the energy, minerals and natural resources department be requested to conduct a study to assess whether natural gas prices could be maintained by licensing five regionally placed natural gas-powered power plants in the state, and what money could be used to plan and construct the five regionally placed natural gas-powered power plants; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the energy, minerals and natural resources department submit the findings of the study to the appropriate interim legislative committee by November 1, 2012; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the governor, the secretary of economic development, the secretary of energy, minerals and natural resources and the co-chairs of the New Mexico legislative council.

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