?Green fund? headed for House vote

Maryland?s House appeared poised Wednesday evening to approve a $50 million dedicated fund for the Chesapeake Bay and other environmental initiatives, but funding sources could prove an obstacle as delegates prepare to reconcile differences between their plan and the Senate?s.

Delegates debated a proposal to draw funds from the state?s gas and car rental taxes to create a new “Chesapeake Bay 2010 Trust Fund,” replacing long-thwarted attempts to establish a “green fund” by taxing construction. The Senate last week also voted to reserve $50 million for the trust, but diverted funds from the state?s Program Open Space.