44TH LEGISLATURE - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - FIRST SESSION, 1999

REQUESTING THE NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO DIRECT THE APPROPRIATE INTERIM COMMITTEE TO STUDY OPTIONS FOR AN ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT TO DISCLOSE THE EFFECTS OF FEDERAL AND STATE AGENCY DECISIONS ON THE ENVIRONMENT.

WHEREAS, it is desirable to have coordination and consultation between state and federal agencies in joint planning, research, public hearings and in assessing environmental impacts on the biophysical environment and natural resources, economy, ways of life, customs and cultures; and

WHEREAS, New Mexico is committed to preserving and protecting its biophysical environment, natural resources, ways of life, customs and cultures; and

WHEREAS, New Mexico citizens will benefit from comprehensive environmental and natural resource planning for the public health, safety and general welfare of the people of the New Mexico and protection of the tax base; and

WHEREAS, federal regulations require a duplication of the National Environmental Policy Act process in order to grant joint lead agency status to a state;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the New Mexico legislative council be requested to direct the appropriate interim committee to examine the need for an environmental policy act modeled on the National Environmental Policy Act; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that should the interim committee determine a need for legislation that they recommend legislation at their final interim meeting in 1999; and

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