May 20, 2005

The Honorable Michael E. Busch
Speaker of the House
State House
Annapolis MD 21401

Dear Mr. Speaker:

In accordance with Article II, Section 17 of the Maryland Constitution, today I have vetoed House Bill 361 - Advisory Committee on the Management and Protection of the State's Water Resources.

House Bill 361 would establish a 21 member Advisory Committee on the Management and Protection of the State's Water Resources that must issue a final report by December 31, 2006.

House Bill 361 is virtually identical to my Executive Order 01.01.2005.25. The Executive Order, issued May 16, 2005, rescinded Executive Order 01.01.2003.08 by establishing a successor Committee to the "Wolman Committee", which filed its report on May 28, 2004. The new Committee will continue the work of the Wolman Committee by studying relevant issues relating to water resources, including conservation and protection of water resources and the adequacy of government regulations relating to water resource management. This Committee will report its findings by July 1, 2006.

House Bill 361 is not necessary as a result of my Executive Order.

For the above stated reasons, I have vetoed House Bill 361.

Sincerely,
Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.
Governor