May 16, 2002

The Honorable Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr.
President of the Senate
State House
Annapolis MD 21401

Dear Mr. President:

In accordance with Article II, Section 17 of the Maryland Constitution, I have today vetoed Senate Bill 246 - Drinking Water Security Act.

This bill authorizes the Secretary of the Environment to adopt and enforce State primary drinking water regulations for a contaminant if the Secretary determines that the contaminant poses a significant risk to public health and if the federal government has not adopted complete interim or revised national primary drinking water regulations for the contaminant. As part of the determination, the Secretary must prepare a report including specified information such as monitoring data for the contaminant, peer reviewed assessments, methodologies and data and a cost/benefit analysis of implementing the proposed standard for the contaminant.

House Bill 350, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed by me, accomplishes the same purpose. Therefore, it is not necessary for me to sign Senate Bill 246.

Sincerely,
Parris N. Glendening
Governor