New Mexico Statutes Chapter 74. Environmental Improvement § 74-4A-7. Duties of the task force

A. The task force shall negotiate for the state with the federal government in all areas relating to siting, licensing and operation of new federal disposal facilities, including research, development and demonstration, for high-level radioactive wastes, transuranic radioactive wastes and low-level radioactive waste. This subsection shall not be construed to limit the powers of any agency otherwise authorized to negotiate with the federal government, and if such negotiation should also come within the authority of the task force, the task force shall provide assistance to that agency but shall not limit the agency's exercise of authority. Any action taken pursuant to this subsection may be disapproved by joint resolution of the legislature.

B. The task force may recommend legislation to implement the state's policies with respect to new federal disposal facilities.

C. The task force shall identify impacts of new federal and private disposal facilities within the state and shall disseminate that information.

D. The task force shall coordinate the investigations and studies undertaken by all state agencies and shall forward an executive summary of ongoing and recently completed investigations and studies, including information from federal or other studies, to the legislature and the governor as the studies are completed or information released.

E. The task force shall meet at least annually with the committee and keep the committee apprised of all actions taken by the task force.

F. The authority of the task force and its actions and those of state agencies with respect to federal or privately operated disposal or storage facilities are subject to the limitations contained in federal law and shall be consistent with federal law.