It codifies the definition of “overburdened” and “underserved” to ensure equitable treatment of communities and sets goals for state clean energy investments in overburdened communities. It requires emissions reductions from large buildings and creates a 15-month study to determine steps needed to electrify new buildings. Paul Pinsky (District 22), is a comprehensive climate bill that commits the state to net-zero climate emissions by 2045 and requires a 60 percent carbon reduction goal by 2031, the strongest near-term goal in the country. These “forever chemicals” have been found in 75% of the drinking water tested by the Maryland Department of the Environment.Ĭlimate Solutions Now Act ( SB528 ), sponsored by Sen. PFAS are a class of chemicals that the Environmental Protection Agency says can cause harmful health effects in humans. It stops the use of PFAS in firefighting foam, food packaging, and in rugs and carpets, and protects our air and water by banning the mass disposal of these chemicals by incineration and landfilling. Sara Love (District 16), restricts the use and disposal of toxic PFAS chemicals. The George “Walter” Taylor Act ( HB0275 / SB273 ), sponsored by Sen. Mary Lehman (District 21) to make the Patuxent Riverkeeper a permanent seat and add additional citizen seats to the Patuxent River Commission. Maryland legislators acted quickly to introduce and pass bipartisan legislation sponsored by Sen. “The Patuxent River Commission-Membership” Bill ( SB367 / HB716 ) : When Secretary of Planning Robert McCord went outside of his jurisdiction and did not reappoint several community advocates, including Patuxent Riverkeeper Fred Tutman, to the Patuxent River Commission, the public outcry was loud. Many communities, in particular low-income communities of color often bearing the brunt of such development projects, will now be able to request changes be made to proposed developments in order to prevent harm to their communities’ health. This screening tool helps to identify environmental and socioeconomic injustices that are already existing in that same neighborhood, and allows for greater community involvement and awareness at the early stage of a process where there is a greater opportunity to address these concerns. Melissa Wells (District 40) requires the use of an environmental justice screening tool when a new or renewing permit is being requested. “The Environment – Permit Applications – Environmental Justice Screening” Bill ( SB818/ HB1200) sponsored by Sen.
#Backtrack screening update
Sara Love (District 16), and supported by a broad coalition of community groups, requires the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) to clear the backlog of more than 200 outdated or expired water pollution control permits, nicknamed “zombie permits”, and update them by 2026, and to inspect facilities in significant noncompliance with their permits once per month. “The Environment – Discharge Permits – Inspections and Administrative Continuations” Bill ( SB492/ HB649) sponsored by Sen.
In the year of its 50th anniversary, it’s critical to remember that the Clean Water Act gives every person the power to reclaim their right to clean water when the government fails to do so. States have the responsibility under the federal Clean Water Act to protect public health and the environment by limiting pollution discharged into our waterways, and ensuring transparency and public participation in the regulation of polluting facilities. “ In the year of its 50th anniversary, it’s critical to remember that the Clean Water Act gives every person the power to reclaim their right to clean water when the government fails to do so.” The Clean Water Act, which turns 50 this year, is a powerful law, but only if states make the investments necessary to ensure equitable protections and enforcement.
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