Department of the Environment - Study on Deathcare and Funeral Practices
The bill seeks to assess how each mentioned practice affects land use, water and air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and the energy and materials required for these processes. By requiring the Department of the Environment to collaborate with health and labor departments, the study aims to develop a nuanced understanding of the implications of these practices on both the environment and public health across the state.
House Bill 869, titled 'Department of the Environment - Study on Deathcare and Funeral Practices,' mandates the Maryland Department of the Environment to investigate the environmental and public health impacts of various deathcare and funeral practices. Introduced by Delegate Boyce and others, the bill calls for a comprehensive study that addresses different burial methods, including traditional casket and vault burial, natural or green burial, cremation, and alternative practices like alkaline hydrolysis.
Discussions surrounding HB 869 generally reflect a supportive sentiment from environmental advocates and public health proponents, who see value in understanding how deathcare practices impact the ecosystem. However, there may be contention regarding the adequacy of the current funeral practices and the potential for regulatory changes stemming from the study's findings. The emphasis on green burial practices has garnered interest from those advocating for more sustainable and environmentally friendly choices in deathcare.
While the bill's intent is considered progressive in addressing environmental concerns, potential points of contention could arise regarding the implementation of its findings. Stakeholders in the deathcare industry may have reservations about how new regulations or practices could affect their operations. There is also the broader question of how cultural and traditional practices around death will align with recommended changes, creating a dialogue between innovation in funeral practices and respect for long-held customs.