3286

JOINT RESOLUTIONS

Constitution by the legislatures of three-fourths of the
several States within seven years from the date of its
submission."; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, That the
foregoing proposed amendment to the Constitution of the
United States is ratified by the State of Maryland to all
intents and purposes as a part of the Constitution of the
United States; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Governor of the State of Maryland is
requested to forward authentic copies of this Resolution,
under the Great Seal of the State of Maryland, to: the
Honorable Cyrus R. Vance, Secretary of State of the United
States, 2201 C Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20520; the
Honorable Walter F. Mondale, Vice-President of the United
States, Room 2203, Dirksen Senate Office Building,
Washington, D.C. 20510; the Honorable Thomas P. O'Neill,
Jr., Speaker of the House of Representatives of the United
States, Room H-209, The Capitol, Washington, D.C. 20515; and
the Honorable R.G. Freeman III, Administrator, General
Services Administration, 18th and F Streets N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20405.

Signed April 8, 1980.

No. 2

(House Joint Resolution No. 5)

A House Joint Resolution concerning

The Federal Surface Mining Control and Reclamation
Act of 1977

FOR the purpose of requesting the United States Congress to
amend the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of
1977 in order to. authorize the coal producing states to
establish surface mining and reclamation programs
within their respective states consistent with this
Act, without the further requirement of consistency
with federal rules and regulations.

WHEREAS, It is generally acknowledged that the
overlapping and often contradictory authority of various
federal and state agencies engaged in the regulation of the
surface and deep mining industries has resulted in
unreasonable and unnecessary burdens being placed on the
economies of coal producing states, particularly in
Maryland; and

WHEREAS, The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement (OSM) has continually failed to recognize or
adapt to the unique topography, climate, and problems