Marvin Mandel, Governor                        1873

Whereas, the transfer of oil between vessels and between vessels
and oil terminal facilities is a hazardous undertaking with always
the possibility of such operations resulting in spillages; and

Whereas, the new supertankers will use the Chesapeake Bay as
a result of widening the C & D Canal and the completion of other
navigation projects, and these vessels pose an additional likelihood
of an oil spillage catastrophe because of their large size and their
lack of maneuverability; and

Whereas, present technology is not adequate in providing methods
for the effective containment and removal of oil from the open
waters of the Bay; and

Whereas, the Department of Natural Resources has the responsi-
bility for developing a program which would enable the State to
respond to an emergency oil spillage in Maryland waters other than
in the Baltimore Harbor Area; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the General Assembly of Maryland, That the Depart-
ment of Natural Resources shall submit its program to the Legisla-
tive Council for review no later than August 1, 1971. The program
shall include but not be limited to:

(1)  The procedures and methods, including their fiscal implica-
tions, utilized in responding to oil spillages under present technology.
The adequacy and availability of equipment and trained personnel
and/or the use of contractual arrangements for oil spill clean-up.

(2)  Procedures and requirements for the prevention of oil spills,
leaks or discharges into State waters.

(3)  The utilization and training of personnel in State service for
reporting and investigation of oil spills.

(4)  The need for research on the causes, effects and prevention of
oil pollution, and new methods for efficient of EFFICIENTLY COM-
BATING oil pollution, and new methods for efficient oil removal
from the open waters of the Bay.

* Not approved by the Governor.

No. 75 *
(Senate Joint Resolution 77)

Senate Joint Resolution requesting the establishment of a Governor's
Commission to study and investigate the inability of the people
of Maryland to obtain fire and auto insurance at a reasonable rate.

Whereas, Citizens of this State are often unable to obtain fire
insurance on their homes or businesses at a reasonable rate due to the
area in which they live, or the type of occupation engaged in, or the
type of home owned; and

Whereas, The same situation exists with respect to auto insur-
ance; and