MARVIN MANDEL, Governor                           3913

Secretary of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
of the State of Maryland.

Approved May 15, 1975.

No. 70
(House Joint Resolution 97)

A House Joint Resolution concerning

Evaluation of Average Vehicle Weights

FOR the purpose of requesting the Maryland Department of
Transportation to evaluate the likelihood of the
significant reduction of average vehicle weights.

WHEREAS, The energy crisis has created an imperative
need for economical use of gasoline in Maryland and the
nation; and

WHEREAS, Vehicle weight is the single most
important item affecting fuel economy; and

WHEREAS, The attainment of Air Quality Standards has
required [[emmission]] emission standards on vehicles;
and

WHEREAS, Lighter vehicles tend to meet emission
standards with greater ease than heavier vehicles; and

WHEREAS, The Federal Highway Administration has
required for certification of transportation planning
activities that transportation plans must be consistent
with State Air Quality plans; and

WHEREAS, Lessened vehicle weight and size will
change highway needs and standards; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, That
the Maryland Department of Transportation be requested to
evaluate the likelihood of the significant reduction of
the average weight of vehicles, both automobiles and
trucks, and report its evaluation to the General Assembly
by January 1, 1976; and be it further

RESOLVED, The the Maryland Department of
Transportation consider the effects of said evaluation on
its future plans and projections for highways, including
the size thereof, the number of lanes, the standards of