New Mexico Statutes Chapter 68. Timber § 68-2-30. Findings and purpose of act

A. The legislature finds that the health and safety of our increasingly fragile environment is threatened daily by increased emissions of carbon dioxide. These emissions deplete the stratospheric ozone and cause dangerous greenhouse and global warming effects. Trees naturally synthesize carbon dioxide into oxygen as a byproduct of photosynthesis and thereby reduce the harmful environmental effects caused by carbon dioxide.

B. Trees protect and promote soil, energy and water conservation and generally enhance the state's environment.

C. The purpose of the New Mexico Forest Re-Leaf Act is to help protect the environment and to improve the quality of life by encouraging and arranging for the planting of trees throughout the state by children, students, parents, schools, civic and community groups and all residents of New Mexico.