A. The legislature recognizes that there is a growing need to identify the magnitude of hazardous waste generation in New Mexico and sites at which materials classified as hazardous wastes can be treated or disposed of. The selection of sites for such hazardous waste activities is a complex technical, environmental, logistical, legal and institutional problem because of the many interdependent factors that must be considered.

B. The legislature further finds that public understanding of the importance of safe treatment and disposal of hazardous wastes is critical in addressing New Mexico’s hazardous waste problem.

C. The legislature further finds that, because of the 1984 reauthorization and amendments to the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, an increased number of hazardous waste generators throughout the state will be regulated and therefore a greater economic burden will fall upon these entities.