A House committee Thursday amended the clean cars bill to make sure Maryland lawmakers have a final say over any changes made to the California emissions standards.
Delegates also voted to prohibit the state Department of the Environment from requiring the sale of reformulated gasoline that is mandatory in California.
“There was concern we were turning over our legislative authority to California,” said Del. Maggie McIntosh, D-Baltimore City, who chairs the House Environmental Matters Committee. “That isn?t the case. ? We?ll have two years to react to any changes, and our department of the environment will have input.”
Under the proposed legislation, Maryland car dealers would be required to sell vehicles that meet California emissions standards by the model year 2011.
California standards are stricter than the federal standards currently in force and are crafted by an appointed commission in the state. California also requires the sale of specially reformulated gasoline designed to further reduce harmful emissions.
House committee members delayed a final vote on the bill pending further proposed amendments. The Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee also delayed a voting session on the bill Thursday to allow senators to prepare amendments. Gov. Martin O?Malley included a clean cars initiative in his legislative agenda.
