45th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2002

REQUESTING THE NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO DIRECT THE APPROPRIATE COMMITTEE TO REVIEW THE ISSUE OF ABANDONED MINES AND THE HAZARD THEY POSE TO PUBLIC SAFETY.

WHEREAS, abandoned mines can present a danger to hikers, hunters, explorers, rockhounds and other citizens of New Mexico; and

WHEREAS, over forty people lose their lives annually in abandoned mines; and

WHEREAS, rescuers and emergency personnel may not be familiar with the hazards of a particular abandoned mine and are put at risk while attempting to rescue people lost or trapped in abandoned mines; and

WHEREAS, there is lack of jurisdictional coordination and information exchange between the state mine inspector, the department of public safety, local emergency response agencies and the federal mine safety and health administration; and

WHEREAS, a standardized approach to abandoned mine disaster and emergency response could reduce injuries and life-threatening situations;

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 review the issue of abandoned mine safety and emergency response; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the appropriate committee report its findings and recommendations to the first session of the forty-sixth legislature to increase New Mexico's ability to respond effectively to abandoned mine emergencies; and

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