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A MEMORIAL
REQUESTING THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND OTHER
GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES UNDERTAKE A HEALTH STUDY OF RESIDENTS
IN THE FOUR CORNERS AREA OF THE STATE, WITH EMPHASIS ON
RESPIRATORY ILLNESSES.
WHEREAS, there are presently two coal-fired power plants
operating in the Four Corners region of the Navajo Nation
that generate significant amounts of air pollution; and
WHEREAS, there is a proposal to construct an additional
coal-fired power plant in the Four Corners region of the
Navajo Nation that may increase current levels of air
pollution in that region; and
WHEREAS, there are reports that residents of the Four
Corners region of the state suffer respiratory illnesses at a
rate that is significantly higher than that experienced by
state residents in general; and
WHEREAS, there may be a connection between the rate of
respiratory illnesses among residents of the Four Corners
region of the state and the levels of air pollution in that
region, but no studies have been undertaken to establish
whether such a relationship exists;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE
STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the department of health, in
cooperation with other appropriate state, tribal and federal
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agencies, be requested to undertake a health study of
residents in the Four Corners region of the state, with an
emphasis on respiratory illnesses; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be
transmitted to the governor, the secretary of health, the
secretary of Indian affairs, the president of the Navajo
Nation, the speaker of the Navajo Nation council, the federal
assistant secretary for Indian affairs and the director of the
Navajo area of the Indian health service.