Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Chamber Supports Environmental Standing Legislation with Amendments
The Maryland Chamber of Commerce yesterday delivered testimony in support with amendments on environmental standing legislation HB 1053, an updated version of SB 824/HB 1569.
HB 1569 would repeal specified contested case hearing provisions related to permitting decisions by the Department of the Environment. It would authorize judicial review of specified permitting and license decisions by the Department at the request of specified persons that meet specified federal standing requirements and participate in a specified public participation process.
The new legislation provides for increased participation regarding permitting decisions, while ensuring certain protections to the business community. Amendments desired by the business community include changes to the stay provisions, and strengthen the provisions about judicial review and compiling the record.
Click here to view a PDF of the Chamber’s full position statement.
The Economic Matters Committee is scheduled to vote on the legislation today.
Permalink
