Title
Discussion and Possible Approval of Sending Letter from the Incorporated County of Los Alamos Council to the Governor of New Mexico, Michelle Lujan-Grisham, Requesting She Direct the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) Attend the Multi-Stakeholder Meetings on the Hexavalent Chromium Plume Cleanup
Recommended Action
I move that Council support sending a letter requesting the Governor of the State of New Mexico, Michelle Lujan-Grisham, direct the Secretary to adequately staff the multi-stakeholder meetings held on the cleanup of the hexavalent chromium plume and authorize the Council Chair to sign the letter.
Body
Chair Ryti requested that Council discuss whether or not the Council supports sending a letter requesting that Governor Lujan-Grisham direct NMED management to adequately staff and regularly attend the multi-stakeholder meetings on the cleanup of the hexavalent chromium plume in the same tone and in support of the letter sent by the Pueblo de San Ildefonso (will be provided if available before the Council meeting date).
NMED's presence is necessary for major technical decisions to move forward. The delay in progress on the cleanup of the hexavalent chromium plume due to previously stalled discussions and, most recently, the absence of the NMED at the latest technical meetings which could further delay action on major milestone projects, is not in the best interest of Los Alamos citizens, commuters, the surrounding communities, the water table and overall ecosystem.
Alternatives
Council could choose not to send a letter to the Governor.