May 20, 2005

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

Dear Mr. President:

In accordance with Article II, Section 17 of the Maryland Constitution, today I have vetoed Senate Bill 164 - Advisory Committee on the Management and Protection of the State's Water Resources.

Senate Bill 164 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.

Senate Bill 164 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 The Executive Order, issued May 16, 2005, rescinded Executive Order 01.01.2003.08 by establishing a successor Committee to the "Wolman Committee", which filed its report on May 28, 2004.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.

Senate Bill 164 is not necessary as a result of my Executive Order.

For the above stated reasons, I have vetoed Senate Bill 164.

Very truly yours,
Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.
Governor