JOINT RESOLUTIONS

WHEREAS, The cost borne by the State for fuel supplies for all energy sources was
approximately $7.3 billion in 1985, up from $6.3 billion in 1980; and

WHEREAS, Gasoline consumption in Maryland has risen by 9.4% from 1980 to 1988
and continues to rise; and

WHEREAS, Electrical consumption in Maryland has risen by 59% from 1975 to 1987
and continues to rise; and

WHEREAS, U.S. energy use in 1988 rose to its highest level ever and oil imports
jumped to their highest level since 1978 before the last Arab oil embargo and now equal
40% of total U.S. oil use;

WHEREAS, Increased energy consumption has major economic and environmental
consequences including costs of production, balance of payments and increased emissions
of carbon dioxide, the major greenhouse gas, increased emissions of hydrocarbons,
contributing to the problem of ozone violations in Maryland, and increased sulfur and
nitrogen oxides contributing to the problems of acid rain; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, That the
Governor is requested to establish a Task Force on Energy Conservation and Efficiency to
examine and report on ways to increase energy conservation and efficiency in Maryland so
as to significantly reduce present levels of energy consumption; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Task Force is composed of:

(1)     2 members of the House of Delegates, appointed by the Speaker of the
House, and 2 members of the Senate of Maryland, appointed by the President of the
Senate;

(2)     1 representative from each of the following, to be appointed by the
Governor:

(i)     The Department of Housing and Community Development;

(ii)    The Department of General Services;

(iii)   The Department of Transportation;

(iv)    The Department of Natural Resources;

(v)     The Department of the Environment;

(vi)    The Department of Budget and Fiscal Planning;

(vi)   (vii) The Public Service Commission;

(vii)   (viii) The Board of Regents of the University of Maryland System;

(viii) (ix) The Maryland Petroleum Council;

(ix)   (x) A Maryland public electric utility;

(x) (xi) The academic community, with training and experience in
energy conservation and efficiency;

(xi) (xii) The alternative energy industry;

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