Ehrlich on Washington column, May 4, 1997

1407 York Road, Suite 304 Lutherville, Maryland 21093 MEWS FROM Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Second Congressional District of Maryland Washington, D.C. 20515 Week of May 4, 1997 315 Cannon House Office Building EHRLICH ON WASHINGTON By Congressman Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. EPA MUST COME CLEAN ON NEW CLEAN AIR REGULATIONS During the 1997 session of the Maryland General Assembly, a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers blocked Governor Glendening’s attempt to require the use of the “dynamometer” as part of Maryland’s Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program (VEIP). Glendening argued that mandated dynamometer testing is necessary to comply with federal regulations and preserve the state’s eligibility for federal highway funds. Critics maintained that the dynamometer is intrusive and ineffective, and that its use should remain voluntary. In Washington, a bipartisan coalition of members of Congress, myself included, are opposing another set of proposed environmental regulations we regard as excessive. In this latest battle, the stakes are not just motorist convenience or federal highway funds, but possibly the nation’s economic future. Earlier this year, EPA Administrator Carol Browner proposed more rigorous national standards for ground level ozone and fine dust. If adopted, these standards could dramatically expand EPA’s regulatory authority under the Clean Air Act. These standards would triple the number of so-called “nonattainment” cities — communities not in compliance with Clean Air Act standards — and bring those areas under rigorous federal control. I have several concerns about the EPA’s proposed regulations. First, once fully (