ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR., Governor

H.B. 659

01.01.2002.05 by extending to May 31, 2004 the date by which the Water Resources
Advisory Committee must report its findings. The Committee is to study and report
on various issues relating to water resources, including conservation and protection of
water resources and the adequacy of government regulations relating to water
resources management.

House Bill 659 is not necessary due to my Executive Order.

For the above stated reasons, I have vetoed House Bill 659.

Sincerely,

Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.

Governor

House Bill No. 659

AN ACT concerning

Environment - Task Force on Water Resource Management - Establishment

FOR the purpose of establishing the Task Force on Water Resource Management;
providing for the membership of the Task Force; requiring the Governor to
appoint the chair of the Task Force; requiring the Task Force to examine certain
management, development, conservation, and protection issues relevant to
ground and surface water, perform certain assessments, and make certain
findings, recommendations, and cost estimates; providing for reimbursement for
the expenses of a member of the Task Force; requiring the Department of the
Environment, in consultation with certain other State agencies, to staff the Task
Force; requiring the Task Force to submit an interim and final report certain
reports to the Governor and the General Assembly by certain dates; stating the
intent of the General Assembly; providing for the termination of this Act; and
generally relating to the establishment of the Task Force on Water Resource
Management.

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That:

(a)     There is a Task Force on Water Resource Management.

(b)     The Task Force shall consist of the following 23 members:

(1)     two members of the House of Delegates appointed by the Speaker of
the House;

(2)     two members of the Senate of Maryland appointed by the President
of the Senate;

(3)     the Secretary of the Environment or the Secretary's designee;

(4)     the Secretary of Health and Mental Hygiene or the Secretary's
designee;

(5)     the Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary's designee;

- 3699 -