Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. letter to T. L., May 13, 1997

ROBERT L. EHRLICH. JR. «NKING AND FINANCIAL SERVICES ASSISTANT MAJORITY WHIP Congress of ttie llniteb States 5)ou«c of J&epreSentatibcs ©Hastjington, OC 20515-2002 May 13, 1997 °еагИ11111 Thank you for sending me a copy of your research paper examining federal clean air policy and auto emissions standards. You are to be commended for having produced such a scholarly, well-written paper. I would like to comment on two of the specific issues you raise in your paper. With respect to the IM 240 “dynamometer” auto emissions test, during its 1997 legislation the Maryland General Assembly enacted a bill which will keep the new test voluntary. As this is primarily a state issue, I encourage you to contact Governor Glendening and your representatives in Annapolis to voice your opinions regarding this matter. With respect to the EPA’s plans to toughen emissions standards for fine dust and ozone under the 1990 Clean Air Act, I have both substantive and procedural concerns about the EPA’s proposal. Attached is a copy of a recent op-ed piece I wrote in which 1 describe my reservations regarding this matter in greater detail. With respect to federal intervention into environmental issues, I believe we must take a balanced, independent approach. I have supported regulatory reform legislation which will ensure that every environmental regulation promulgated by Washington is absolutely necessary and truly worth the price of implementation. At the same time, I have not hesitated to oppose legislation which I believe will weaken laws important to public health and safety. As a member of Congress, I have cast a number of votes which I believe are important from the standpoint of environmental protection. In May 1995 I voted against H. R. 961, a Republican-sponsored Clean Water Act reauthorization bill, because I believed it would have weakened laws important to the Chesapeake Bay. I also voted to delete from an appropriations bill 17 legislative provisions restricting EPA’s ability to enforce environmental laws and regulations important to the Bay. I also supported important legislation to reauthorize the Safe Drinking Water Act. Thanks again for sending me your paper. Be assured that I will continue to give each proposal affecting the environment which comes before Congress thorough and careful consideration. Sincerely, Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Member of Congress Attachment