BALTMORE, MD (April 13, 2006) – The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) announced the Governor’s Clean Power Rule will be published in the Maryland Register on April 28. Because the Healthy Air Act closely mirrors the Clean Power Rule, the State is continuing with its plan to adopt the Clean Power Rule with minor amendments so it conforms with the Healthy Air Act by this June.

“On behalf of the citizens of Maryland, I thank the General Assembly for codifying the Clean Power Rule into law,” said Governor Ehrlich. “The Maryland Healthy Air Act mirrors the Clean Power Rule reductions for nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide and mercury. More importantly, it addresses my concerns over cost and reliability of controlling carbon dioxide by adding a comprehensive study of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) that can be completed well before Maryland becomes a full participant in RGGI. This is generally consistent with our existing approach for RGGI.”

“The Governor’s Clean Power Rule is the vehicle to implement the Healthy Air Act. This is the quickest path to cleaning Maryland’s air. The rule will ensure Maryland compliance with the new health-based air quality standards for ozone and fine particulates,” said Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Kendl P. Philbrick. “Enacting this legislation through the Clean Power Rule strengthens Maryland’s position as a leader in air quality management and controls.”

Once enacted, the final version of the regulations will constitute the most sweeping air pollution control measures proposed in Maryland history. The rule will ensure emission reductions occur at Maryland’s most polluting coal-fired power plants. It will work to bring the state into compliance with federal health-based air quality standards for ozone and fine particulate by 2010.

For more information or to obtain a copy of the rule, go to: mde.maryland.gov/programs/ResearchCenter/eMDE/Pages/vol1no8/rule.aspx. or call MDE’s Air and Radiation Management Administration at 410-537-3245.

MDE is planning to hold a public hearing on the rule on May 31 in Baltimore. Additional hearing information will be available on MDE’s online calendar at: mde.maryland.gov/calendar.

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