Bill Positions

Bill Number: SB 47

Bill Title: Environment - Permitting Applications - Notice Requirements

Bill Sponsor(s): Senator Harrington

Subject: Environment & Energy

Committee: EHE

Bill Summary: The bill requires MDE to post notice of applications for certain permits on the department’s web site and also require MDE to provide a method for interested persons to electronically request additional notices related to particular permit applications. The following permits are subject to the bills requirement: ambient air quality control, landfills/incinerators, discharge pollutants, structures used for sewage sludge storage or distribution, controlled hazardous substance facilities, hazardous materials facilities, and low-level nuclear waste facilities.

History: This bill was enacted as Chapter 192.

Chamber Position: Oppose

Position Summary: The Maryland Chamber understands the desire for enhanced communication regarding permit application notification. However, the process should not be overly burdensome for the applicant. In most areas of the state the applicant would experience substantial additional financial burden to fulfill the proposed notice requirements. A 1 mile radius is too expansive, and in large urban areas could result in thousands of notifications. Additionally, permit issuance delay could occur if a person in the 2 mile radius claims to not have been notified, even if due to property transfer or tenant change during the process. Furthermore, contiguous property owners are generally the affected parties, yet such legislation could increase the number of non-aggrieved parties that may attempt to claim standing.

Position Statement: Click here (pdf)

Chamber Staff: Allyson Black

General Assembly: Click here to view the bill on the Maryland General Assembly's website.