SENATE MEMORIAL 2

49th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first special session, 2009

INTRODUCED BY

William E. Sharer

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE TO MAINTAIN OPERATION OF CURRENT NATURAL GAS AND OIL DRILLING ACTIVITIES IN THE CARSON NATIONAL FOREST.

     WHEREAS, the use of natural gas and oil has improved the quality of life, raised the standard of living and increased the life expectancy of New Mexicans; and

     WHEREAS, eighty-three percent of New Mexicans utilize natural gas or propane to heat their homes; and

     WHEREAS, eighteen percent of New Mexico's electric power supply is directly fueled by natural gas; and

     WHEREAS, the Carson national forest and the United States bureau of land management's big game management areas hold significant oil and gas resources; and

     WHEREAS, the deer and elk populations in New Mexico have grown from nearly zero to more than ninety thousand head in the past one hundred years; and

     WHEREAS, some restrictions tied to the natural gas and oil leases, such as steep slopes and surface occupancy restrictions, already protect cultural resources and wildlife; and

     WHEREAS, responsible natural gas and oil development and wildlife have coexisted for more than seventy years in the San Juan basin; and

     WHEREAS, responsible natural gas and oil development during the normal winter closure period can balance extraction and the needs of wildlife;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that it request the United States forest service to forgo the winter closure period and maintain operation of current natural gas and oil drilling activities in the Carson national forest; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the chief and deputy regional forester of the southwest region of the United States forest service.

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