SENATE MEMORIAL 112

53rd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2018

INTRODUCED BY

Linda M. Lopez

 

 

 

 

 

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THAT THE VOLKSWAGEN TRUST SETTLEMENT FUNDS BE USED TO PURCHASE ELECTRIC SCHOOL BUSES.

 

     WHEREAS, the Volkswagen trust settlement fund will pay eighteen million dollars ($18,000,000) to New Mexico in satisfaction of Volkswagen's legal liability for deliberately evading federal emissions requirements; and

     WHEREAS, one purpose of the settlement fund is for states to identify and fund projects that will reduce nitrous oxide emissions; and

     WHEREAS, school bus routes are ubiquitous in New Mexico, and nitrous oxide emissions from diesel-burning school buses affect the health and well-being of entire communities, not just children; and

     WHEREAS, communities that are located near school bus idle stations experience increased health impacts from the emissions of diesel-powered school buses; and

     WHEREAS, nitrous oxide emissions from diesel-burning engines are closely linked to chronic respiratory illnesses; and

     WHEREAS, respiratory and pulmonary illnesses impose increased medical costs on communities; and

     WHEREAS, these medical costs are particularly challenging for families without health coverage; and

     WHEREAS, asthma attacks in children are a traumatic experience for entire families; and

     WHEREAS, children with chronic illnesses can experience delayed development, both from neurological impacts and from simply missing days of school; and

     WHEREAS, public employees driving school buses bear a disproportionate brunt of the health impacts from diesel-burning school buses; and

     WHEREAS, there is potential for the state's already overburdened and underfunded school districts to save money on the costs of fuel by using electric school buses; and

     WHEREAS, parents place their trust in New Mexico's school districts every time they put their children on school buses, and districts are doing everything in their power to keep New Mexico children safe and healthy; and

     WHEREAS, communities statewide want to do their part to fight against global climate change; and

     WHEREAS, the use of diesel fuel in school buses supports harmful extraction practices in the state by the fossil fuel industry; and

     WHEREAS, it is important for governmental policies to support the health of future generations, create more resilient communities and improve quality of life;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the governor be requested to direct use of a portion of the Volkswagen trust settlement fund for the purchase of electric school buses; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the governor, the secretary of environment, the secretary of public education, the secretary of energy, minerals and natural resources, the secretary of transportation and the secretary of health.

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