MARVIN MANDEL, Governor                                 3873

of the ramifications on minority business interests and
that adequate safeguards are made for a smooth transition
during the adjusting period.

It is necessary that a "Task Force" type

organization be established to provide input to the

Maryland Energy Policy Office. The primary objective of

this operation will be to support the Energy Policy
Office in their total program with specific orientation

toward the understanding of the problem of minority
businesses.

It is envisioned that this organization would
provide factual statistical input and social and
emotional analysis to the EPO regarding the plight of
this class of business and its relationship to proposed
or contemplated regulations and legislation.

It is also necessary that this group would develop
specific recommendations for developments in the energy
efficiency and conservation areas that would improve the
contribution of minority business. This group would
farther be used to develop means of education to promote
understanding of the energy situation that exists and
acceptance of decisions that must be made; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, That
the Energy Policy Office in cooperation with the Minority
Business Energy Task Force be requested to submit a
report to the Senate Economic [[Matters]] Affairs and the
House Environmental Ratters Committees no later than
December 31, 1975, concerning an Energy Minority Business
Study. Proposed action items for a Minority Business
Study shall include:

(1)    Unfair allocations of resources based upon
prior years. How can newly established
minority business comply?

(2)     Cash flow problem inflicted by price
increases initiated by such actions as
conservation tax on fuel. Are fuel stamps
appropriate?

(3)      Cash flow problems caused by mandatory
conservation requirements; i.e., insulation,
storm windows and doors, etc. Are
low—interest loans required to assist minority
business in complying with FEA/EPO energy
conservation regulations?

(4)       Impact of mandatory minimum performance
standards for appliances on small