Thirteen other states have also committed to adopting the proposed California standards. The EPA has adopted stricter requirements which, by law, can't go into effect until the 2007 model year. Maryland cannot afford to give up the gains we have made in reducing the amount of pollution from diesel trucks over the past several years. Our citizens deserve no less. Diesel trucks are a significant source of air pollution and contribute significantly to the emissions of nitrogen oxides into our air.
Nitrogen oxide is a major factor in the creation of ground level ozone.
It may also worsen bronchitis, heart disease, emphysema, and asthma. We must take these steps to protect the health of Maryland residents. The OTC, created by Congress as a part of the Clean Air Act, coordinates ground level ozone control planning. This new initiative is consistent with Maryland's plan to reduce pollution from diesel vehicles. In 1999, Governor Glendening signed legislation designed to control diesel vehicle smoke emissions.