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

REQUESTING THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO DIRECT THE APPROPRIATE INTERIM COMMITTEE TO PREPARE LEGISLATION TO REORGANIZE THE STATE'S NATURAL RESOURCES LAWS AND PROGRAMS INTO ONE DEPARTMENT WITHIN THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH.

WHEREAS, the natural resources of the state are critical to public welfare and the economy of the state; and

WHEREAS, natural resources programs are placed in several state agencies: the operation of parks and the regulation of timber, oil and gas, geothermal resources and mining are placed in the energy, minerals and natural resources department; the regulation of air and water quality is placed in the department of environment; the regulation of water rights is placed in the office of the state engineer; the regulation of hunting and fishing is placed in the department of game and fish; and other programs are scattered in other agencies; and

WHEREAS, natural resources programs could operate more effectively and more efficiently in one department within the executive branch and thereby improve the state's environmental quality and its economy;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the legislative council direct the appropriate committee to study the reorganization of natural resource programs and laws into one executive branch department with a secretary reporting to the governor; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the appropriate committee prepare legislation for the reorganization of natural resources programs and laws and present the legislation and its recommendations to the legislative finance committee and the legislative council by November 30, 1999; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the legislative council, the governor, the secretary of energy, minerals and natural resources, the secretary of environment, the state engineer and the director of the department of game and fish.