Maryland extends, but slashes, its scrap tire fee

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (April 18)—The Maryland legislature passed a four-year extension of its expiring scrap tire abatement fee just before adjourning for the year, but also slashed the amount of the fee, from $1 to 40 cents. The state fee, levied since 1995 on each new tire sold, was scheduled to end this summer, and tire dealers and environmentalists complained the money too often was diverted to causes other than scrap tire cleanup. They joined to support a bill to extend the fee and dedicate it solely to scrap tires, but were forced to compromise when an anti-fee delegate tried to block the legislation.