RCLC News:

• Memorial focused on the critical importance of New Mexico’s National Laboratories and DOE facilities to state’s economy

SANTA FE – Last week, House Memorial 71 introduced by Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard (D- Los Alamos) won unanimous passage from the New Mexico House of Representatives.

The House Memorial recognized the critical importance of New Mexico’s National Laboratories and DOE facilities to the state’s economy.

The Regional Coalition of LANL Communities supported passage of the House Memorial and provided expert testimony on behalf of the Memorial.

Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard

“New Mexico has been on the forefront of scientific endeavors for over 70 years and our state’s research laboratories have made an enormous contribution to the safety and national security of the United States,” said State Representative Stephanie Garcia Richard, a newly elected representative from Los Alamos. “I am thrilled that my colleagues around the state have come together to recognize the immense impact that LANL and our other national laboratories and DOE facilities have on the overall economy of New Mexico.”

The Memorial included important information on the economic impact of Los Alamos National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratory and the Waste Isolation Pilot Project.

While the Memorial notes the enormous impact of the direct employment numbers at these facilities, it also included the residual impact these facilities have on small businesses throughout the state and noted that these federal institutions recruit and employ a significant portion of their work force from New Mexico’s higher education institutions.

“It was also important to me that the Memorial urged our congressional delegation to continue to work hard to address budget stabilization and sequestration so that these facilities can continue their national missions and remain critical partners in the economic welfare of New Mexico,” added Garcia Richard.

About the Regional Coalition of LANL Communities:

The Regional Coalition is comprised of eight cities, counties and pueblos surrounding the Department of Energy’s Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). Founded in 2011, the Regional Coalition works in partnership to ensure national decisions incorporate local needs and concerns.

The organization’s focus is environmental remediation, regional economic development and site employment, and adequate funding for LANL.

The Board of Directors includes Chair, Mayor David Coss, City of Santa Fe; Vice-Chair, Mayor Alice Lucero, City of Española; Sect./Treas. Commissioner Danny Mayfield, Santa Fe County; County Councilor Fran Berting, Los Alamos County Council; Commissioner Alfredo Montoya, Rio Arriba County; Councilor Andrew Gonzales, Town of Taos; Commissioner Joe-Mike Duran, Taos County; and Ron Lovato, Pueblo of Ohkay Owingeh.