2132

LAWS OF MARYLAND

Ch. 607

Annotated Code of Maryland

(1983 Replacement Volume and 1985 Supplement)

Preamble

WHEREAS, The General Assembly finds that many elements of
Maryland's economy and quality of life depend upon the protection
of the quality of the State's natural resources including the
air, water, fish and aquatic life, soil, agriculture, forests,
scenic, recreational, and cultural resources; and

WHEREAS, Emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides
resulting from the combustion of fossil fuels may contribute to
the acid deposition phenomenon, commonly called acid rain; and

WHEREAS, Acid deposition resulting from anthropogenic and
natural sources is occurring in Maryland and this deposition
could have significant adverse effects on the environment, the
economy, and public health; and

WHEREAS, Emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides
from sources in one state may contribute to the acid deposition
phenomenon in other states; and

WHEREAS, The federal government, other states as well as
Maryland, and private industry are conducting comprehensive
research and monitoring programs to determine the causes and
consequences of acid deposition; and

WHEREAS, Coal is an important energy source found and
utilized in Maryland, and research and development of innovative
technologies for cleaner coal combustion are being developed by
the federal government and private industry, and are under
consideration for use by electric utilities in Maryland; and

WHEREAS, Adoption of innovative techniques for cleaner coal
combustion could lead to more cost effective and technologically
feasible reductions in emissions of acid deposition precursors
and stimulate the production of coal in Western Maryland; and

WHEREAS, Effective resolution of issues related to acid
deposition requires action by the federal government which has
not yet occurred; and

WHEREAS, Legislation has been and is currently pending
before the U.S. Congress proposing various methods of acid
deposition control, many of which impose significant
implementation requirements on private industry and State
government; and

WHEREAS, In order for Maryland to adequately respond to any
federal action, a comprehensive research and monitoring program
on the sources, effects, and control of acid deposition in this
State is needed; now, therefore, be it