HOUSE MEMORIAL 56

52nd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2015

INTRODUCED BY

Brian Egolf

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES DEPARTMENT AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO EVALUATE RESEARCH RELATED TO THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN THE HERBICIDE ROUNDUP AND AUTISM AND ROUNDUP AND FOOD SAFETY.

     WHEREAS, the United States centers for disease control and prevention estimates that one in every sixty-eight children has been identified as having an autism spectrum disorder; and

     WHEREAS, the identification of autism spectrum disorders in people has increased dramatically in recent years; and

     WHEREAS, large- and small-scale farmers have increasingly improved their crop production and growing efficiency by using genetically modified Roundup Ready seeds in combination with Roundup, a highly effective herbicide; and

     WHEREAS, the key ingredient in Roundup is glyphosate; and

     WHEREAS, recent studies, including one published in a scholarly article by scientist Anthony Samsel and Massachusetts institute of technology senior research scientist Stephanie Seneff, have identified a strong correlation between the increased use of glyphosate and the incidence of autism; and

     WHEREAS, according to that article, glyphosate is toxic to mammals, and its widespread consumption has led to a host of diseases and health conditions; and

     WHEREAS, Dr. Seneff has predicted that, by 2025, one in two children will be diagnosed with autism; and

     WHEREAS, studies also suggest that glyphosate can compromise the physical health of people exposed to it;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the children, youth and families department and the department of health be requested to:

          A. evaluate research related to the theory that the increased human exposure to the herbicide Roundup, as well as food made from ingredients grown using Roundup, correlates closely with the increasing incidence of autism spectrum disorders;

          B. evaluate research examining the safety of foods produced using glyphosate; and

          C. estimate the magnitude of the impact of glyphosate on New Mexico children and adults and evaluate the risks that may be posed to the people of New Mexico by Roundup and food made from ingredients grown using Roundup; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the children, youth and families department and the department of health report their findings to the legislative health and human services committee and the legislative interim committee dealing with water and natural resources; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of children, youth and families and the secretary of health.

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