Maryland House Bill HB1311

Maryland 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/11/22
• Refer: 2/11/22

Caption

Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund - Authorized Uses (Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund Lockbox Act of 2022)

Impact

If enacted, HB1311 would significantly alter how funds from the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund are allocated, emphasizing direct environmental benefits related to water quality improvement. The bill aims to streamline the focus of investments towards efforts that reduce pollution and promote ecosystem restoration, particularly in the Chesapeake Bay area, which is crucial for maintaining both local biodiversity and water quality. The Governor would be required to appropriate a specific amount annually to support these initiatives, ensuring a steady financial commitment towards environmental health.

Summary

House Bill 1311, titled the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund Lockbox Act of 2022, is designed to restrict the use of the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund to specific purposes directly related to addressing pollution from wastewater treatment facilities, on-site sewage disposal systems, sewer systems, and stormwater management systems. The legislation seeks to ensure that funds allocated for Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts are utilized effectively and exclusively for enhancing water quality through improved wastewater management and infrastructure upgrades.

Contention

There have been discussions regarding the potential implications of limiting the fund's use. Some stakeholders argue that the bill's restrictions may hinder broader efforts in environmental protection by tying funds too narrowly to wastewater-related projects and excluding other important areas like sustainable agricultural practices or urban stormwater management. Critics of the bill express concern that such limitations could delay or diminish comprehensive approaches necessary for effectively restoring the Chesapeake Bay and maintaining its vital ecosystems.