clear space clear space clear space white space
A
 r c h i v e s   o f   M a r y l a n d   O n l i n e
  Maryland State Archives | Index | Help | Search search for:
clear space
white space
Session Laws, 1997
Volume 795, Page 4404   View pdf image
 Jump to  
  << PREVIOUS  NEXT >>
clear space clear space clear space white space

S.B. 278

VETOES

CIVIL CITATION SWORN TO OR AFFIRMED BY THE OFFICER SHALL BE CONSIDERED
PRIMA FACIE EVIDENCE OF THE FACTS CONTAINED IN THE CIVIL CITATION; AND

(4) THE DEFENDANT MAY ADMIT OR DENY A VIOLATION, AND THE
COURT SHALL ENTER JUDGMENT FOR THE DEFENDANT OR THE CITY.

(P) THE STATE'S ATTORNEY, THE CITY SOLICITOR, OR ANY ATTORNEY
DESIGNATED BY THE CITY IS AUTHORIZED TO REPRESENT THE CITY IN ENFORCING
A CIVIL CITATION.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That between July 1, 1997 and
October 1, 1997, every citation issued under this Act shall be served with notice of the
provisions of this Act and reference to the appropriate section(s) of the laws of this State.

SECTION 2. 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take
effect October July 1, 1997.

May 19, 1997

The Honorable Thomas V. "Mike" Miller, Jr.

President of the Senate

State House

Annapolis MD 21401-1991

Dear Mr. President:

In accordance with Article II, Section 17 of the Maryland Constitution, I vetoed today
Senate Bill 278 - Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program - Voluntary Dynamometer
Testing. This bill would have prohibited the State from operating a mandatory
"dynamometer" or "treadmill" test as part of Maryland's emissions testing program
needed to comply with federal Clean Air Act requirements.

Maryland has a serious air pollution problem, and the primary source of air pollutants in
the state comes from automobile emissions. The VEIP program is the most cost effective
tool we have to keep our air, and the Bay, clean. The VEIP program is required under the
Federal Clean Air Act authorized by Congress. The Maryland General Assembly also
authorized the mandatory treadmill test many years ago as part of our clean air strategy.

During my entire career, I have stood strong for clean air, a clean Chesapeake Bay, and
the health of our citizens, especially our children. During my term as Governor I
sponsored, fought for, and passed the Rural Legacy land conservation program,
Wildlands legislation, and the Smart Growth legislation to slow suburban sprawl and
revitalize our established neighborhoods. These efforts, particularly the efforts on Smart
Growth, would be compromised if I were to sign this bill. Federal sanctions would
prohibit precisely the kind of rebuilding we are trying to stimulate, because these are the
very areas where the air quality is the poorest and where, as a consequence, federal
sanctions would prohibit new building.

This decision is not about state's rights or threats from Congress or EPA and the issuing
of sanctions. It is about protecting the Chesapeake Bay and the health of our citizens,
most notably the 600,000 Marylanders who suffer respiratory problems. This is about

- 4404 -

 

clear space
clear space
white space

Please view image to verify text. To report an error, please contact us.
Session Laws, 1997
Volume 795, Page 4404   View pdf image
 Jump to  
  << PREVIOUS  NEXT >>


This web site is presented for reference purposes under the doctrine of fair use. When this material is used, in whole or in part, proper citation and credit must be attributed to the Maryland State Archives. PLEASE NOTE: The site may contain material from other sources which may be under copyright. Rights assessment, and full originating source citation, is the responsibility of the user.


Tell Us What You Think About the Maryland State Archives Website!



An Archives of Maryland electronic publication.
For information contact mdlegal@mdarchives.state.md.us.

©Copyright  November 18, 2025
Maryland State Archives