SENATE MEMORIAL 75

53rd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2017

INTRODUCED BY

William P. Soules

A MEMORIAL

EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR A STUDY OF CARBON FEE AND DIVIDEND LEGISLATION.

     WHEREAS, the weight of scientific evidence indicates that greenhouse gas emissions from human activities, including the burning of fossil fuels and other sources, are causing rising global temperatures; and

     WHEREAS, the weight of scientific evidence also indicates that a return from the current concentration of more than four hundred parts per million of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to three hundred fifty parts per million of carbon dioxide or less is necessary to slow or stop the rise in global temperatures; and

     WHEREAS, further increases in global temperatures pose imminent and substantial dangers to human health, the natural environment, the economy and national security and an unacceptable risk of catastrophic impacts to human civilization; and

     WHEREAS, the measures proposed in federal carbon fee and dividend legislation will provide for benefits to the economy, human health, the environment and national security as a result of correcting market distortions, reducing non-greenhouse-gas pollutants, reducing the outflow of dollars to oil-producing countries and improving the energy security of the United States; and

     WHEREAS, phasing in carbon fees on greenhouse gas emissions is the most efficient, transparent and enforceable mechanism to drive an effective and fair transition to a domestic energy economy, stimulate investment in alternative energy technologies and give all businesses powerful incentives to increase their energy efficiency and reduce their carbon footprints in order to remain competitive; and

     WHEREAS, equal monthly dividends from carbon fees paid to every American household can help ensure that families and individuals can afford the energy they need during the transition to a low-carbon economy, which will also stimulate the economy;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that a study of carbon fee and dividend legislation be supported; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the appropriate legislative interim committee study carbon fee and dividend proposals; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the New Mexico legislative council. 

- 3 -