AIR QUALITY

    Although the Maryland Department of the Environment is charged with promulgation of air quality standards, we encourage MDE to consult with the Department of Agriculture when considering regulations that impact the agricultural community. ’05
   
    We ask that the Maryland Department of the Environment when formulating its clean air (state) implementation plan, consider agriculture's inability to pass on costs incurred in reducing equipment emissions, dust, or odors associated with normal farming practices. ’05
   
    We support a healthy environment, including good air quality, but we are opposed to emission control rules and standards for farm equipment that would require the retrofitting of our equipment to meet those standards. ’05
   
    We urge repeal of the Emission Control Act of Maryland. In the event the program is not repealed, the dynamometer testing should be voluntary.  We support a review of the program to evaluate cost and determine its effectiveness. ’05

    We oppose exhaust emissions from farm machinery along with dust and particulate matter generated from agricultural activity being subject to the federal Clean Air standards instituted in 1997. ’05