A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND THE COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE OF NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY'S COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND HOME ECONOMICS COLLABORATE TO DEVELOP IDEAS, STRATEGIES AND OPTIONS FOR WORKING TOGETHER IN ORDER TO STRENGTHEN NEW MEXICO COMMUNITIES AND PROTECT NEW MEXICO'S ENVIRONMENT.

     WHEREAS, the department of environment is committed to protecting and preserving the health and environment of New Mexico and its residents; and

     WHEREAS, the cooperative extension service enables New Mexicans to improve the quality of their lives and build strong communities through partnerships that actively apply agricultural and environmental experience and knowledge; and

     WHEREAS, cooperative extension service agents have a unique relationship with the residents of the state of New Mexico and their respective counties; and

     WHEREAS, the adoption and enforcement of regulations by the department of environment affects the agricultural and economic activities of New Mexicans, their communities and the environment; and

     WHEREAS, a joint effort by the department of environment and cooperative extension service agents to develop open communication and to balance inspection, education and outreach programs with the need for environmental regulation would have positive effects for New Mexico;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the department of environment and the cooperative extension service be requested to collaborate to develop a plan with ideas, strategies, options and recommendations for working together in order to strengthen New Mexico communities and protect New Mexico's environment; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the secretary of environment and the associate dean, associate director and the district directors of the cooperative extension service of New Mexico state university's college of agriculture and home economics present a joint report with recommendations that outline ideas, strategies and options for working together to the appropriate interim legislative committee no later than November 1, 2005; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of environment and the directors of New Mexico's cooperative extension service districts.