MD
Maryland House Bill HB24

Maryland 2024 Regular Session

Maryland House Bill HB24 Compare Versions

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33 EXPLANATION: CAPITALS INDICATE MAT TER ADDED TO EXISTIN G LAW.
44 [Brackets] indicate matter deleted from existing law.
5- Underlining indicates amendments to bill.
6- Strike out indicates matter stricken from the bill by amendment or deleted from the law by
7-amendment.
85 *hb0024*
96
107 HOUSE BILL 24
118 M3 4lr0810
129 HB 840/23 – ENT & ECM (PRE–FILED) CF SB 96
13-By: Delegate Boyce Delegates Boyce, Addison, Allen, Foley, Healey, Lehman,
14-J. Long, Love, and Stein
10+By: Delegate Boyce
1511 Requested: October 3, 2023
1612 Introduced and read first time: January 10, 2024
1713 Assigned to: Environment and Transportation and Economic Matters
18-Committee Report: Favorable with amendments
19-House action: Adopted
20-Read second time: March 7, 2024
2114
22-CHAPTER ______
15+A BILL ENTITLED
2316
2417 AN ACT concerning 1
2518
2619 Environment – Impact of Environmental Permits and State Agency Actions 2
27-Department of the Environment – Environmental Justice Evaluation of 3
28-Environmental Permit Applications 4
2920
30-FOR the purpose of requiring the Department of the Environment to conduct a certain 5
31-evaluation regarding the impact of issuing an approval for certain environmental 6
32-permits; requiring the Department to provide opportunities for certain 7
33-communication with certain residents in a certain manner; requiring the 8
34-Department to deposit certain money in certain funds under certain circumstances; 9
35-altering certain reporting requirements for certain State agencies; and generally 10
36-relating to the impact of actions on climate and environmental justice and equity 11
37-perform a certain environmental justice evaluation of certain environmental permit 12
38-applications under certain circumstances; authorizing the Department to take 13
39-certain actions on certain environmental permit applications based on certain 14
40-findings to address environmental justice concerns; requiring the Department to 15
41-maintain a publicly accessible website, part of a website, or application that 16
42-identifies pending permit applications in a certain manner; authorizing the 17
43-Department to charge a certain fee to cover certain costs; requiring the Department 18
44-to consult with certain stakeholders regarding certain environmental justice 19
45-evaluations of certain permit applications and to make certain considerations for 20
46-improving public outreach and notice regarding certain permit determinations; and 21
47-generally relating to environmental justice and environmental permits. 22
48- 2 HOUSE BILL 24
21+FOR the purpose of requiring the Department of the Environment to conduct a certain 3
22+evaluation regarding the impact of issuing an approval for certain environmental 4
23+permits; requiring the Department to provide opportunities for certain 5
24+communication with certain residents in a certain manner; requiring the 6
25+Department to deposit certain money in certain funds under certain circumstances; 7
26+altering certain reporting requirements for certain State agencies; and generally 8
27+relating to the impact of actions on climate and environmental justice and equity. 9
28+
29+BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments, 10
30+ Article – Environment 11
31+Section 1–601(a), 1–701(a)(1), (5), (7), and (8), 1–702(b), 2–107(a), and 7–218 12
32+ Annotated Code of Maryland 13
33+ (2013 Replacement Volume and 2023 Supplement) 14
34+
35+BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, 15
36+ Article – Environment 16
37+Section 1–702(a), 2–107(b), 2–1305, and 7–219 17
38+ Annotated Code of Maryland 18
39+ (2013 Replacement Volume and 2023 Supplement) 19
40+
41+BY adding to 20
42+ Article – Environment 21
43+Section 1–7A–01 through 1–7A–05 to be under the new subtitle “Subtitle 7A. Impact 22
44+of Environmental Permits on Climate and Environmental Equity” 23
45+ Annotated Code of Maryland 24
46+ (2013 Replacement Volume and 2023 Supplement) 25
47+
48+BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments, 26 2 HOUSE BILL 24
4949
5050
51-BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments, 1
52- Article – Environment 2
53-Section 1–601(a), 1–701(a)(1), (5), (7), and (8), 1–702(b), 2–107(a), and 7–218 3
54- Section 1–601(a), 1–601.1, and 1–701(a)(1) and (5) 4
55- Annotated Code of Maryland 5
56- (2013 Replacement Volume and 2023 Supplement) 6
51+ Article – Environment 1
52+Section 9–320(a) 2
53+ Annotated Code of Maryland 3
54+ (2014 Replacement Volume and 2023 Supplement) 4
5755
58-BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, 7
59- Article – Environment 8
60-Section 1–702(a), 2–107(b), 2–1305, and 7–219 9
61- Annotated Code of Maryland 10
62- (2013 Replacement Volume and 2023 Supplement) 11
56+BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, 5
57+ Article – Environment 6
58+Section 9–320(b) 7
59+ Annotated Code of Maryland 8
60+ (2014 Replacement Volume and 2023 Supplement) 9
6361
64-BY adding to 12
65- Article – Environment 13
66-Section 1–7A–01 through 1–7A–05 to be under the new subtitle “Subtitle 7A. Impact 14
67-of Environmental Permits on Climate and Environmental Equity 15
68-Environmental Justice Evaluation of Environmental Permit Applications” 16
69- Annotated Code of Maryland 17
70- (2013 Replacement Volume and 2023 Supplement) 18
62+ SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, 10
63+That the Laws of Maryland read as follows: 11
7164
72-BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments, 19
73- Article – Environment 20
74-Section 9–320(a) 21
75- Annotated Code of Maryland 22
76- (2014 Replacement Volume and 2023 Supplement) 23
65+Article – Environment 12
7766
78-BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, 24
79- Article – Environment 25
80-Section 9–320(b) 26
81- Annotated Code of Maryland 27
82- (2014 Replacement Volume and 2023 Supplement) 28
67+1–601. 13
8368
84- SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMB LY OF MARYLAND, 29
85-That the Laws of Maryland read as follows: 30
69+ (a) Permits issued by the Department under the following sections shall be issued 14
70+in accordance with this subtitle: 15
8671
87-Article – Environment 31
72+ (1) Air quality control permits to construct subject to § 2–404 of this article; 16
8873
89-1–601. 32
74+ (2) Permits to install, materially alter, or materially extend landfill 17
75+systems, incinerators for public use, or rubble landfills subject to § 9–209 of this article; 18
9076
91- (a) Permits issued by the Department under the following sections shall be issued 33
92-in accordance with this subtitle: 34
77+ (3) Permits to discharge pollutants to waters of the State issued pursuant 19
78+to § 9–323 of this article; 20
9379
94- (1) Air quality control permits to construct subject to § 2–404 of this article; 35
80+ (4) Permits to install, materially alter, or materially extend a structure 21
81+used for storage or distribution of any type of sewage sludge issued, renewed, or amended 22
82+pursuant to § 9–234.1 or § 9–238 of this article; 23
9583
96- (2) Permits to install, materially alter, or materially extend landfill 36
97-systems, incinerators for public use, or rubble landfills subject to § 9–209 of this article; 37 HOUSE BILL 24 3
84+ (5) Permits to own, operate, establish, or maintain a controlled hazardous 24
85+substance facility issued pursuant to § 7–232 of this article; 25
86+
87+ (6) Permits to own, operate, or maintain a hazardous material facility 26
88+issued pursuant to § 7–103 of this article; 27
89+
90+ (7) Permits to own, operate, establish, or maintain a low–level nuclear 28
91+waste facility issued pursuant to § 7–233 of this article; and 29
92+
93+ (8) Potable reuse permits issued in accordance with § 9–303.2 of this 30
94+article. 31
95+
96+1–701. 32
97+ HOUSE BILL 24 3
98+
99+
100+ (a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. 1
101+
102+ (5) “Environmental justice” means equal protection from environmental 2
103+and public health hazards for all people regardless of race, income, culture, and social 3
104+status. 4
105+
106+ (7) “Overburdened community” means any census tract for which three or 5
107+more of the following environmental health indicators are above the 75th percentile 6
108+statewide: 7
109+
110+ (i) Particulate matter (PM) 2.5; 8
111+
112+ (ii) Ozone; 9
113+
114+ (iii) National Air Toxics Assessment (NATA) diesel PM; 10
115+
116+ (iv) NATA cancer risk; 11
117+
118+ (v) NATA respiratory hazard index; 12
119+
120+ (vi) Traffic proximity; 13
121+
122+ (vii) Lead paint indicator; 14
123+
124+ (viii) National Priorities List Superfund site proximity; 15
125+
126+ (ix) Risk Management Plan facility proximity; 16
127+
128+ (x) Hazardous waste proximity; 17
129+
130+ (xi) Wastewater discharge indicator; 18
131+
132+ (xii) Proximity to a Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO); 19
133+
134+ (xiii) Percent of the population lacking broadband coverage; 20
135+
136+ (xiv) Asthma emergency room discharges; 21
137+
138+ (xv) Myocardial infarction discharges; 22
139+
140+ (xvi) Low–birth–weight infants; 23
141+
142+ (xvii) Proximity to emitting power plants; 24
143+
144+ (xviii) Proximity to a Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) facility; 25
145+
146+ (xix) Proximity to a brownfields site; 26 4 HOUSE BILL 24
98147
99148
100149
101- (3) Permits to discharge pollutants to waters of the State issued pursuant 1
102-to § 9–323 of this article; 2
150+ (xx) Proximity to mining operations; and 1
103151
104- (4) Permits to install, materially alter, or materially extend a structure 3
105-used for storage or distribution of any type of sewage sludge issued, renewed, or amended 4
106-pursuant to § 9–234.1 or § 9–238 of this article; 5
152+ (xxi) Proximity to a hazardous waste landfill. 2
107153
108- (5) Permits to own, operate, establish, or maintain a controlled hazardous 6
109-substance facility issued pursuant to § 7–232 of this article; 7
154+ (8) “Underserved community” means any census tract in which, according 3
155+to the most recent U.S. Census Bureau Survey: 4
110156
111- (6) Permits to own, operate, or maintain a hazardous material facility 8
112-issued pursuant to § 7–103 of this article; 9
157+ (i) At least 25% of the residents qualify as low–income; 5
113158
114- (7) Permits to own, operate, establish, or maintain a low–level nuclear 10
115-waste facility issued pursuant to § 7–233 of this article; and 11
159+ (ii) At least 50% of the residents identify as nonwhite; or 6
116160
117- (8) Potable reuse permits issued in accordance with § 9–303.2 of this 12
118-article. 13
161+ (iii) At least 15% of the residents have limited English proficiency. 7
119162
120-1–601.1. 14
163+1–702. 8
121164
122- (a) A person applying for a permit listed under § 1–601(a) of this subtitle shall 15
123-include in the permit application the EJ Score from the Maryland EJ tool for the census 16
124-tract where the applicant is seeking a permit, unless the permit requires the applicant to 17
125-use a tool developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 18
165+ (a) On or before December 31, [2023] 2024, the Department, in consultation with 9
166+the Commission on Environmental Justice and Sustainable Communities, shall: 10
126167
127- (b) On receiving an application for a permit listed under § 1–601(a) of this 19
128-subtitle, the Department shall, in accordance with regulations adopted under this section, 20
129-review the EJ Score for the census tract where the applicant is seeking a permit using the 21
130-Maryland EJ tool to verify the applicant’s information. 22
168+ (1) Subject to subsection (b) of this section, adopt a methodology for 11
169+identifying communities disproportionately affected by climate impacts; 12
131170
132- (c) The Department shall adopt regulations to implement this section. 23
171+ (2) Develop specific strategies to address geographical impact concerns, 13
172+reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and co–pollutants, and build climate equity and 14
173+resilience within communities disproportionately affected by climate impacts; 15
133174
134-1–701. 24
175+ (3) Set appropriate goals for the percentage of State funding for greenhouse 16
176+gas emission reduction measures that should be used for the benefit of disproportionately 17
177+affected communities; and 18
135178
136- (a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. 25
179+ (4) Report to the Maryland Commission on Climate Change and, in 19
180+accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly on the 20
181+policies and programs developed under this subsection. 21
137182
138- (5) “Environmental justice” means equal protection from environmental 26
139-and public health hazards for all people regardless of race, income, culture, and social 27
140-status. 28
183+ (b) In evaluating methodologies under subsection (a)(1) of this section, the 22
184+Department shall, at a minimum, include: 23
141185
142- (7) “Overburdened community” means any census tract for which three or 29
143-more of the following environmental health indicators are above the 75th percentile 30
144-statewide: 31
186+ (1) Underserved communities; 24
145187
146- (i) Particulate matter (PM) 2.5; 32 4 HOUSE BILL 24
188+ (2) Overburdened communities; and 25
189+
190+ (3) Areas that are vulnerable to climate impacts, such as flooding, storm 26
191+surges, and urban heat island effects, due to low levels of tree coverage, high levels of 27
192+impervious surfaces, or other factors. 28
193+
194+SUBTITLE 7A. IMPACT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITS ON CLIMATE AND 29
195+ENVIRONMENTAL EQUITY. 30 HOUSE BILL 24 5
147196
148197
149198
150- (ii) Ozone; 1
199+1–7A–01. 1
151200
152- (iii) National Air Toxics Assessment (NATA) diesel PM; 2
201+ (A) IN THIS SUBTITLE THE FOLLOWING WORDS HAVE THE MEANINGS 2
202+INDICATED. 3
153203
154- (iv) NATA cancer risk; 3
204+ (B) “APPLICANT” MEANS A PERSON APPLY ING FOR A PERMIT LIS TED 4
205+UNDER § 1–601(A) OF THIS TITLE. 5
155206
156- (v) NATA respiratory hazard index; 4
207+ (C) “ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE” HAS THE MEANING STAT ED IN § 1–701 OF 6
208+THIS TITLE. 7
157209
158- (vi) Traffic proximity; 5
210+ (D) “OVERBURDENED COMMUNIT Y” HAS THE MEANING STAT ED IN § 1–701 8
211+OF THIS TITLE. 9
159212
160- (vii) Lead paint indicator; 6
213+ (E) “PERMIT” MEANS A PERMIT LISTE D UNDER § 1–601(A) OF THIS TITLE. 10
161214
162- (viii) National Priorities List Superfund site proximity; 7
215+ (F) “UNDERSERVED COMMUNITY ” HAS THE MEANING ST ATED IN § 1–701 OF 11
216+THIS TITLE. 12
163217
164- (ix) Risk Management Plan facility proximity; 8
218+1–7A–02. 13
165219
166- (x) Hazardous waste proximity; 9
220+ (A) (1) IF, AFTER REVIEWING AN EJ SCORE IN ACCORDANCE WITH § 14
221+1–601.1(B) OF THIS TITLE, THE DEPARTMENT DETERMINES THAT ISSUING AN 15
222+APPROVAL FOR A NEW PERMIT MAY IMPACT AN UNDERSERVED COMMUNITY OR 16
223+AN OVERBURDENED COMMUNITY , THE DEPARTMENT SHALL CONDUCT A CLIMATE 17
224+AND ENVIRONMENTAL EQUITY EVALUATION OF THE PERMIT. 18
167225
168- (xi) Wastewater discharge indicator; 10
226+ (2) THE CLIMATE AND ENVIR ONMENTAL EQUITY EVAL UATION 19
227+REQUIRED UNDER THIS SECTION SHALL INCLUDE AN ANALYSIS OF: 20
169228
170- (xii) Proximity to a Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO); 11
229+ (I) EXISTING ENVIRONMENTA L AND CLIMATE DATA REGARDING 21
230+THE AFFECTED COMMUNI TY, INCLUDING MONITORING , MODELING, OR ANY OTHER 22
231+DATA DEEMED APPROPRIATE ; 23
171232
172- (xiii) Percent of the population lacking broadband coverage; 12
233+ (II) THE APPLICANT FACILIT Y’S COMPLIANCE RECORD ; AND 24
173234
174- (xiv) Asthma emergency room discharges; 13
235+ (III) POTENTIAL METHODS TO MINIMIZE OR MITIGATE POTENTIAL 25
236+ADVERSE EFFECTS IN T HE AFFECTED COMMUNITY . 26
175237
176- (xv) Myocardial infarction discharges; 14
238+ (B) IN ADDITION TO THE EV ALUATION REQUIRED UNDER SUBSECTION (A) OF 27
239+THIS SECTION, THE DEPARTMENT, IN COORDINATION WITH THE MARYLAND 28
240+DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, MAY CONDUCT A HEALTH IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF THE 29 6 HOUSE BILL 24
177241
178- (xvi) Low–birth–weight infants; 15
179242
180- (xvii) Proximity to emitting power plants; 16
243+PERMIT. 1
181244
182- (xviii) Proximity to a Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) facility; 17
245+ (C) (1) IN CONDUCTING A C LIMATE AND EQUITY EV ALUATION OR A HEALTH 2
246+IMPACT ASSESSMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS SECTION, THE DEPARTMENT MAY 3
247+CONSIDER CUMULATIVE IMPACTS, AS DEFINED IN THE U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL 4
248+PROTECTION AGENCY’S REPORT ON CUMULATIVE IMPACTS RESEARCH: 5
249+RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EPA’S OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT . 6
183250
184- (xix) Proximity to a brownfields site; 18
251+ (2) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL COMP LETE A CLIMATE AND E QUITY 7
252+EVALUATION AND , IF APPLICABLE, A HEALTH IMPACT ASSE SSMENT WITHIN 60 DAYS 8
253+AFTER MAKING A DETER MINATION UNDER SUBSE CTION (A) OF THIS SECTION THAT 9
254+ISSUING AN APPROVAL FOR A NEW P ERMIT MAY IMPACT AN UNDERSERVED 10
255+COMMUNITY OR AN OVER BURDENED COMMUNITY . 11
185256
186- (xx) Proximity to mining operations; and 19
257+1–7A–03. 12
187258
188- (xxi) Proximity to a hazardous waste landfill. 20
259+ (A) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL REGU LARLY PROVIDE OPPORT UNITIES FOR 13
260+RESIDENTS OF THE STATE TO OPT IN TO TE XT, PHONE, E–MAIL, OR REGULAR MAIL 14
261+NOTIFICATIONS REGA RDING ANY FACILITY W ITH A PENDING OR FIN AL PERMIT 15
262+APPROVAL IN OR ADJACENT TO TH E RESIDENT’S CENSUS TRACT . 16
189263
190- (8) “Underserved community” means any census tract in which, according 21
191-to the most recent U.S. Census Bureau Survey: 22
264+ (B) (1) IF AN APPLICANT IS AP PLYING FOR MORE THAN ONE PERMIT FOR 17
265+THE SAME FACILITY , THE DEPARTMENT SHALL COMP LY WITH THE REQUIREM ENTS 18
266+UNDER § 1–7A–02 OF THIS SUBTITLE ONL Y ONCE UNLESS THE DEPARTMENT 19
267+DETERMINES THAT MORE THAN ONE EVALUATION IS NECESSARY DUE TO THE 20
268+COMPLEXITY OF THE AP PLICATIONS. 21
192269
193- (i) At least 25% of the residents qualify as low–income; 23
270+ (2) PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS SUBSECTION M AY NOT BE CONSTRUED 22
271+TO LIMIT THE AUTHORI TY OF THE DEPARTMENT TO HO LD OR REQUIRE ADDITI ONAL 23
272+PUBLIC HEARINGS FOR A PERMIT. 24
194273
195- (ii) At least 50% of the residents identify as nonwhite; or 24 HOUSE BILL 24 5
274+ (C) THE DEPARTMENT MAY DENY O R ALTER A DECISION O R AMEND THE 25
275+CONDITIONS UNDER A P ENDING PERMIT BASED ON THE DEPARTMENT ’S FINDINGS 26
276+UNDER THIS SUBTITLE . 27
277+
278+1–7A–04. 28
279+
280+ (A) SUBJECT TO SUBSECTION (B) OF THIS SECTION, IN ADDITION TO ANY 29
281+OTHER FEE AUTHORIZED BY LAW OR REGULATION , THE DEPARTMENT MAY CHARGE 30
282+A REASONABLE FEE TO COVER THE DEPARTMENT ’S COSTS ASSOCIATED W ITH THE 31
283+IMPLEMENTATION OF TH IS SUBTITLE, INCLUDING COSTS TO P ROVIDE TECHNICAL 32
284+ASSISTANCE TO P ERMIT APPLICANTS AND RESIDENTS OF RELEVAN T CENSUS 33
285+TRACTS AS NEEDED TO COMPLY WITH THIS SUB TITLE. 34 HOUSE BILL 24 7
196286
197287
198288
199- (iii) At least 15% of the residents have limited English proficiency. 1
289+ (B) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL DEPO SIT ANY MONEY FROM F EES THAT 1
290+REMAINS AFTER COVERI NG COSTS IN ACCORDAN CE WITH SUBSECTION (A) OF THIS 2
291+SECTION INTO: 3
200292
201-1–702. 2
293+ (1) THE MARYLAND CLEAN WATER FUND; 4
202294
203- (a) On or before December 31, [2023] 2024, the Department, in consultation with 3
204-the Commission on Environmental Justice and Sustainable Communities, shall: 4
295+ (2) THE MARYLAND CLEAN AIR FUND; OR 5
205296
206- (1) Subject to subsection (b) of this section, adopt a methodology for 5
207-identifying communities disproportionately affected by climate impacts; 6
297+ (3) THE STATE HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE CONTROL FUND. 6
208298
209- (2) Develop specific strategies to address geographical impact concerns, 7
210-reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and co–pollutants, and build climate equity and 8
211-resilience within communities disproportionately affected by climate impacts; 9
299+1–7A–05. 7
212300
213- (3) Set appropriate goals for the percentage of State funding for greenhouse 10
214-gas emission reduction measures that should be used for the benefit of disproportionately 11
215-affected communities; and 12
301+ THE DEPARTMENT SHALL ADOP T REGULATIONS TO CAR RY OUT THIS 8
302+SUBTITLE. 9
216303
217- (4) Report to the Maryland Commission on Climate Change and, in 13
218-accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly on the 14
219-policies and programs developed under this subsection. 15
304+2–107. 10
220305
221- (b) In evaluating methodologies under subsection (a)(1) of this section, the 16
222-Department shall, at a minimum, include: 17
306+ (a) There is a Maryland Clean Air Fund. 11
223307
224- (1) Underserved communities; 18
308+ (b) (1) Except as provided in § 2–1002(g) of this title, all application fees, 12
309+permit fees, renewal fees, and funds collected by the Department under this title, Title 6, 13
310+Subtitle 4 of this article, or received from the Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund 14
311+under § 9–20B–05(g)(3)(iii) of the State Government Article, including any civil or 15
312+administrative penalty or any fine imposed by a court under these provisions, shall be paid 16
313+into the Maryland Clean Air Fund. 17
225314
226- (2) Overburdened communities; and 19
315+ (2) THE MARYLAND CLEAN AIR FUND MAY RECEIVE MONEY IN 18
316+ACCORDANCE WITH § 1–7A–04(B) OF THIS ARTICLE. 19
227317
228- (3) Areas that are vulnerable to climate impacts, such as flooding, storm 20
229-surges, and urban heat island effects, due to low levels of tree coverage, high levels of 21
230-impervious surfaces, or other factors. 22
318+2–1305. 20
231319
232-SUBTITLE 7A. IMPACT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITS ON CLIMATE AND 23
233-ENVIRONMENTAL EQUITY ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE EVALUATION OF 24
234-ENVIRONMENTAL PERMIT APPLICATIONS. 25
320+ (a) (1) Each State agency shall review its planning, regulatory, and fiscal 21
321+programs to identify and recommend actions to more fully integrate the consideration of 22
322+Maryland’s greenhouse gas reduction goal and the impacts of climate change. 23
235323
236-1–7A–01. 26
324+ (2) The review shall include the consideration of: 24
237325
238- (A) IN THIS SUBTITLE THE FOLLOWING WORDS HAVE THE MEANINGS 27
239-INDICATED. 28
326+ (i) Sea level rise; 25
240327
241- (B) “APPLICANT” MEANS A PERSON APPLY ING FOR A PERMIT LIS TED 29
242-UNDER § 1–601(A) OF THIS TITLE. 30
243- 6 HOUSE BILL 24
328+ (ii) Storm surges and flooding; 26
329+
330+ (iii) Increased precipitation and temperature; [and] 27
331+
332+ (iv) Extreme weather events; AND 28 8 HOUSE BILL 24
244333
245334
246- (C) “DISCHARGE PERMIT ” HAS THE MEANING STAT ED IN § 9–301 OF THIS 1
247-ARTICLE. 2
248335
249- (C) (D) “ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ” HAS THE MEANING STAT ED IN § 3
250-1–701 OF THIS TITLE. 4
336+ (V) WHETHER AGENCY DECISI ONS CONTRIBUTE TO LO CAL 1
337+DETERIORATION OF PUB LIC HEALTH OR INCREA SES IN POLLUTION ASS OCIATED 2
338+WITH HEALTH AND ENVI RONMENTAL BURDENS FO R UNDERSERVED AND 3
339+OVERBURDENED COMMUNI TIES. 4
251340
252- (D) “OVERBURDENED COMMUNIT Y” HAS THE MEANING STAT ED IN § 1–701 5
253-OF THIS TITLE. 6
341+ (b) Each State agency shall identify and recommend specific policy, planning, 5
342+regulatory, and fiscal changes to existing programs that do not currently support the State’s 6
343+greenhouse gas reduction efforts or address climate change. 7
254344
255- (E) (1) “PERMIT” MEANS A PERMIT LISTE D UNDER § 1–601(A) OF THIS 7
256-TITLE. 8
345+ (c) (1) [The] ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 1 EACH YEAR, THE following State 8
346+agencies shall report [annually] on the status of programs that support the State’s 9
347+greenhouse gas reduction efforts or address climate change TO THE GENERAL 10
348+ASSEMBLY, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, AND to the 11
349+Commission and the Governor: 12
257350
258- (2) “PERMIT” DOES NOT INCLUDE : 9
351+ (i) The Department; 13
259352
260- (I) A GENERAL DISCHARGE PE RMIT FOR RESIDENTIAL OR 10
261-COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCT ION; OR 11
353+ (ii) The Department of Agriculture; 14
262354
263- (II) A GENERAL DISCHARGE PE RMIT TO CONSTRUCT AN 12
264-ELECTRICITY SUBSTATI ON. 13
355+ (iii) The Department of General Services; 15
265356
266- (F) “UNDERSERVED COMMUNITY ” HAS THE MEANING STAT ED IN § 1–701 OF 14
267-THIS TITLE. 15
357+ (iv) The Department of Housing and Community Development; 16
268358
269-1–7A–02. 16
359+ (v) The Department of Natural Resources; 17
270360
271- (A) THIS SECTION APPLIES TO A PERMIT APPLICAT ION, OTHER THAN A 17
272-GENERAL PERMIT APPLI CATION, RECEIVED BY THE DEPARTMENT ON OR AFTE R 18
273-OCTOBER 1, 2024. 19
361+ (vi) The Department of Planning; 18
274362
275- (A) (1) (B) IF, AFTER REVIEWING AN EJ SCORE IN ACCORDANCE W ITH 20
276-§ 1–601.1(B) OF THIS TITLE, THE DEPARTMENT DETERMINES THAT ISSUING AN 21
277-APPROVAL FOR A NEW P ERMIT MAY IMPACT AN UNDERSERVED COMMUNIT Y OR AN 22
278-OVERBURDENED COMMUNI TY, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL COND UCT A CLIMATE AND 23
279-ENVIRONMENTAL EQUITY EVALUATION OF THE PE RMIT THE EJ SCORE IS ABOVE 24
280-THE 75TH PERCENTILE STATEW IDE, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PERF ORM AN 25
281-ADDITIONAL ENVIRONME NTAL JUSTICE EVALUAT ION OF THE PERMIT AP PLICATION. 26
363+ (vii) The Department of Transportation; 19
282364
283- (2) THE CLIMATE AND ENVIR ONMENTAL EQUITY EVAL UATION 27
284-REQUIRED UNDER THIS SECTION SHALL INCLUD E AN ANALYSIS OF: 28
365+ (viii) The Maryland Energy Administration; 20
285366
286- (I) EXISTING ENVIRONMENTA L AND CLIMATE DATA 29
287-REGARDING THE AFFECTED COMMUNI TY, INCLUDING MONITORING , MODELING, OR 30
288-ANY OTHER DATA DEEMED APPROPRI ATE; 31
289- HOUSE BILL 24 7
367+ (ix) The Maryland Insurance Administration; 21
290368
369+ (x) The Public Service Commission; and 22
291370
292- (II) THE APPLICANT FACILIT Y’S COMPLIANCE RECORD; AND 1
371+ (xi) The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science. 23
293372
294- (III) POTENTIAL METHODS TO MINIMIZE OR MITIGATE 2
295-POTENTIAL ADVERSE EFFECTS IN T HE AFFECTED COMMUNIT Y. 3
373+ (2) The report required [in] UNDER paragraph (1) of this subsection shall 24
374+include THE FOLLOWING INFORM ATION RELATING TO TH E WORK OF EACH STATE 25
375+AGENCY FOR THE IMMED IATELY PRECEDING 12–MONTH PERIOD : 26
296376
297- (B) IN ADDITION TO THE EV ALUATION REQUIRED UN DER SUBSECTION (A) 4
298-OF THIS SECTION, THE DEPARTMENT , IN COORDINATION WITH THE MARYLAND 5
299-DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, MAY CONDUCT A HEALTH IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF THE 6
300-PERMIT. 7
377+ (i) Program descriptions and objectives; 27
301378
302- (C) (1) IN CONDUCTING A CLIMA TE AND EQUITY EVALUA TION OR A 8
303-HEALTH IMPACT ASSESSMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS SECTION, THE 9
304-DEPARTMENT MAY CONSIDER CUMULATIVE IMPACTS, AS DEFINED IN THE U.S. 10
305-ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY’S REPORT ON CUMULATIVE IMPACTS 11
306-RESEARCH: RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EPA’S OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND 12
307-DEVELOPMENT . 13
308-
309- (2) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL COMP LETE A CLIMATE AND E QUITY 14
310-EVALUATION AND , IF APPLICABLE, A HEALTH IMPACT ASSE SSMENT WITHIN 60 DAYS 15
311-AFTER MAKING A DETER MINATION UNDER SUBSE CTION (A) OF THIS SECTION THAT 16
312-ISSUING AN APPROVAL FOR A NEW PERMIT MAY IMPACT AN UNDERSERVE D 17
313-COMMUNITY OR AN OVER BURDENED COMMUNITY . 18
314-
315- (C) IF, BASED ON THE FINDING S OF AN EVALUATION P ERFORMED UNDER 19
316-SUBSECTION (B) OF THIS SECTION, THE DEPARTMENT DETERMINES THAT A PERMIT 20
317-WOULD HAVE A SUBSTAN TIAL IMPACT ON THE H EALTH OF THE SURROUN DING 21
318-COMMUNITY , THE DEPARTMENT MAY : 22
319-
320- (1) FOR A PERMIT FOR A NE W POLLUTION SOURCE O R A PERMIT THAT 23
321-ALLOWS FOR AN INCR EASE IN POLLUTION FR OM AN EXISTING POLLU TION SOURCE, 24
322-DENY THE PERMIT OR I MPOSE CONDITIONS IN THE PERMIT TO ADDRES S 25
323-ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTIC E CONCERNS; AND 26
324-
325- (2) FOR THE RENEWAL OF AN EXISTING PERMIT THAT WOULD NOT 27
326-RESULT IN AN INCREAS E IN POLLUTION FROM AN EXISTING POLLUTION SOU RCE, 28
327-IMPOSE CONDITIONS IN THE RENEWAL PERMIT T O ADDRESS ENVIRONMEN TAL 29
328-JUSTICE CONCERNS . 30
329-
330-1–7A–03. 31
331-
332- (A) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL REGULARLY PROVIDE OP PORTUNITIES FOR 32
333-RESIDENTS OF THE STATE TO OPT IN TO TE XT, PHONE, E–MAIL, OR REGULAR MAIL 33
334-NOTIFICATIONS REGARDI NG ANY FACILITY WITH A PENDING OR FINAL P ERMIT 34
335-APPROVAL IN OR ADJAC ENT TO THE RESIDENT ’S CENSUS TRACT MAINTAIN A 35 8 HOUSE BILL 24
336-
337-
338-PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE WEBSITE, PART OF A WEBSITE , OR APPLICATION THAT 1
339-IDENTIFIES PENDING P ERMIT APPLICATIONS W ITH SPECIFIC CENSUS TRACTS. 2
340-
341- (B) (1) IF AN APPLICANT IS AP PLYING FOR MORE THAN ONE PERMIT FOR 3
342-THE SAME FACILITY , THE DEPARTMENT SHALL COMP LY WITH THE REQUIREM ENTS 4
343-UNDER § 1–7A–02 OF THIS SUBTITLE ONL Y ONCE UNLESS THE DEPARTMENT 5
344-DETERMINES THAT MORE THAN ONE EVALUATION IS NECESSARY DUE TO THE 6
345-COMPLEXITY OF THE AP PLICATIONS. 7
346-
347- (2) PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS SUBSECTION M AY NOT BE CONSTRUED 8
348-TO LIMIT THE AUTHORI TY OF THE DEPARTMENT TO HOLD OR REQUIRE ADDITIONAL 9
349-PUBLIC HEARINGS FOR A PERMIT. 10
350-
351- (C) THE DEPARTMENT MAY DENY O R ALTER A DECISION OR AMEND THE 11
352-CONDITIONS UNDER A P ENDING PERMIT BASED ON THE DEPARTMENT ’S FINDINGS 12
353-UNDER THIS SUBTITLE . 13
354-
355-1–7A–04. 14
356-
357- (A) SUBJECT TO SUBSECTION (B) OF THIS SECTION , IN ADDITION TO ANY 15
358-OTHER FEE AUTHORIZED BY LAW OR REGULATION , THE DEPARTMENT MAY CHARGE 16
359-A REASONABLE FEE TO COVER THE DEPARTMENT ’S COSTS ASSOCIATED W ITH THE 17
360-IMPLEMENTATION OF TH IS SUBTITLE, INCLUDING COSTS TO P ROVIDE TECHNICAL 18
361-ASSISTANCE TO PERMIT APPLICANTS AND RESID ENTS OF RELEVANT CEN SUS 19
362-TRACTS AS NEEDED TO COMPLY WITH THIS SUB TITLE. 20
363-
364- (B) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL DEPO SIT ANY MONEY FROM F EES THAT 21
365-REMAINS AFTER COVERI NG COSTS IN ACCORDAN CE WITH SUBSECTION (A) OF THIS 22
366-SECTION INTO: 23
367-
368- (1) THE MARYLAND CLEAN WATER FUND; 24
369-
370- (2) THE MARYLAND CLEAN AIR FUND; OR 25
371-
372- (3) THE STATE HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE CONTROL FUND IN 26
373-ADDITION TO ANY OTHE R FEE AUTHORIZED BY LAW OR REGULATION , THE 27
374-DEPARTMENT MAY CHARGE A REASONABLE FEE TO COVER THE DEPARTMENT ’S 28
375-COSTS ASSOCIATED WIT H THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS SUBTITLE , INCLUDING 29
376-THE COSTS TO THE DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL AS SISTANCE TO PERMIT 30
377-APPLICANTS AND RESID ENTS OF RELEVANT CEN SUS TRACTS AS NEEDED TO COMPLY 31
378-WITH THIS SUBTITLE . 32
379-
380-1–7A–05. 33
379+ (ii) Implementation milestones, whether or not they have been met; 28
381380 HOUSE BILL 24 9
382381
383382
384- THE DEPARTMENT SHALL ADOP T REGULATIONS TO CAR RY OUT THIS 1
385-SUBTITLE. 2
383+ (iii) Enhancement opportunities; 1
386384
387-2–107. 3
385+ (iv) Funding; 2
388386
389- (a) There is a Maryland Clean Air Fund. 4
387+ (v) Challenges; 3
390388
391- (b) (1) Except as provided in § 2–1002(g) of this title, all application fees, 5
392-permit fees, renewal fees, and funds collected by the Department under this title, Title 6, 6
393-Subtitle 4 of this article, or received from the Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund 7
394-under § 9–20B–05(g)(3)(iii) of the State Government Article, including any civil or 8
395-administrative penalty or any fine imposed by a court under these provisions, shall be paid 9
396-into the Maryland Clean Air Fund. 10
389+ (vi) Estimated greenhouse gas emissions reductions, by program, for 4
390+the prior calendar year; [and] 5
397391
398- (2) THE MARYLAND CLEAN AIR FUND MAY RECEIVE MONEY IN 11
399-ACCORDANCE WITH § 1–7A–04(B) OF THIS ARTICLE. 12
392+ (vii) AGENCY CONTRIBUTIONS OR IMPEDIMENTS TO 6
393+ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTIC E; AND 7
400394
401-2–1305. 13
395+ (VIII) Any other information that the agency considers relevant. 8
402396
403- (a) (1) Each State agency shall review its planning, regulatory, and fiscal 14
404-programs to identify and recommend actions to more fully integrate the consideration of 15
405-Maryland’s greenhouse gas reduction goal and the impacts of climate change. 16
397+ (3) EACH STATE AGENCY SHALL MA KE THE REPORT REQUIR ED 9
398+UNDER PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS SUBSECTION P UBLICLY AVAILABLE ON ITS 10
399+WEBSITE. 11
406400
407- (2) The review shall include the consideration of: 17
401+ (d) Each State agency, when conducting long–term planning, developing policy, 12
402+and drafting regulations, shall take into consideration: 13
408403
409- (i) Sea level rise; 18
404+ (1) The likely climate impact of the agency’s decisions relative to 14
405+Maryland’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals; and 15
410406
411- (ii) Storm surges and flooding; 19
407+ (2) The likely impact of the agency’s decisions on disproportionately 16
408+affected communities identified according to the methodology adopted by the Department 17
409+under § 1–702 of this article. 18
412410
413- (iii) Increased precipitation and temperature; [and] 20
411+7–218. 19
414412
415- (iv) Extreme weather events; AND 21
413+ There is a State Hazardous Substance Control Fund. 20
416414
417- (V) WHETHER AGENCY DECISI ONS CONTRIBUTE TO LO CAL 22
418-DETERIORATION OF PUB LIC HEALTH OR INCREA SES IN POLLUTION ASS OCIATED 23
419-WITH HEALTH AND ENVI RONMENTAL BURDENS FO R UNDERSERVED AND 24
420-OVERBURDENED COMMUNI TIES. 25
415+7–219. 21
421416
422- (b) Each State agency shall identify and recommend specific policy, planning, 26
423-regulatory, and fiscal changes to existing programs that do not currently support the State’s 27
424-greenhouse gas reduction efforts or address climate change. 28
417+ (A) All application and permit fees, renewal fees, transporting vehicle certification 22
418+fees, and all other funds collected by the Department under this subtitle, including any civil 23
419+or administrative penalty or any fine imposed by a court under the provisions of this 24
420+subtitle, shall be paid into the State Hazardous Substance Control Fund. 25
425421
426- (c) (1) [The] ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 1 EACH YEAR, THE following State 29
427-agencies shall report [annually] on the status of programs that support the State’s 30
428-greenhouse gas reduction efforts or address climate change TO THE GENERAL 31 10 HOUSE BILL 24
422+ (B) THE STATE HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE CONTROL FUND MAY RECEIVE 26
423+MONEY IN ACCORDANCE WITH § 1–7A–04(B) OF THIS ARTICLE. 27
424+
425+9–320. 28
426+
427+ (a) There is a Maryland Clean Water Fund. 29
428+ 10 HOUSE BILL 24
429429
430430
431-ASSEMBLY, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, AND to the 1
432-Commission and the Governor: 2
431+ (b) (1) The following payments shall be made into the Maryland Clean Water 1
432+Fund: 2
433433
434- (i) The Department; 3
434+ [(1)] (I) All application fees, permit fees, renewal fees, and funds 3
435+collected by the Department under this subtitle, including any civil or administrative 4
436+penalty or any fine imposed by a court under the provisions of this subtitle; 5
435437
436- (ii) The Department of Agriculture; 4
438+ [(2)] (II) Any civil penalty or any fine imposed by a court under the 6
439+provisions of Title 5, Subtitle 5 of this article relating to water appropriation and use; 7
437440
438- (iii) The Department of General Services; 5
441+ [(3)] (III) Any civil or administrative penalty or any fine imposed by a court 8
442+under the provisions of Title 4, Subtitle 1 of this article; 9
439443
440- (iv) The Department of Housing and Community Development; 6
444+ [(4)] (IV) Any fees or funds that the Department collects under Subtitle 2, 10
445+Part III of this title and §§ 9–269 and 9–270 of this title and any civil or administrative 11
446+penalty or fine imposed by a court under the provisions of Subtitle 2 of this title; and 12
441447
442- (v) The Department of Natural Resources; 7
448+ [(5)] (V) Any fees or funds that the Department collects under Subtitle 24 13
449+of this title and any civil or administrative penalty or fine imposed by a court under the 14
450+provisions of Subtitle 24 of this title. 15
443451
444- (vi) The Department of Planning; 8
452+ (2) THE MARYLAND CLEAN WATER FUND MAY RECEIVE MONE Y IN 16
453+ACCORDANCE WITH § 1–7A–04(B) OF THIS ARTICLE. 17
445454
446- (vii) The Department of Transportation; 9
447-
448- (viii) The Maryland Energy Administration; 10
449-
450- (ix) The Maryland Insurance Administration; 11
451-
452- (x) The Public Service Commission; and 12
453-
454- (xi) The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science. 13
455-
456- (2) The report required [in] UNDER paragraph (1) of this subsection shall 14
457-include THE FOLLOWING INFORM ATION RELATING TO TH E WORK OF EACH STATE 15
458-AGENCY FOR THE IMMED IATELY PRECEDING 12–MONTH PERIOD : 16
459-
460- (i) Program descriptions and objectives; 17
461-
462- (ii) Implementation milestones, whether or not they have been met; 18
463-
464- (iii) Enhancement opportunities; 19
465-
466- (iv) Funding; 20
467-
468- (v) Challenges; 21
469-
470- (vi) Estimated greenhouse gas emissions reductions, by program, for 22
471-the prior calendar year; [and] 23
472-
473- (vii) AGENCY CONTRIBUTIONS OR IMPEDIMENTS TO 24
474-ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTIC E; AND 25
475-
476- (VIII) Any other information that the agency considers relevant. 26 HOUSE BILL 24 11
477-
478-
479-
480- (3) EACH STATE AGENCY SHALL MAKE TH E REPORT REQUIRED 1
481-UNDER PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS SUBSECTION P UBLICLY AVAILABLE ON ITS 2
482-WEBSITE. 3
483-
484- (d) Each State agency, when conducting long–term planning, developing policy, 4
485-and drafting regulations, shall take into consideration: 5
486-
487- (1) The likely climate impact of the agency’s decisions relative to 6
488-Maryland’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals; and 7
489-
490- (2) The likely impact of the agency’s decisions on disproportionately 8
491-affected communities identified according to the methodology adopted by the Department 9
492-under § 1–702 of this article. 10
493-
494-7–218. 11
495-
496- There is a State Hazardous Substance Control Fund. 12
497-
498-7–219. 13
499-
500- (A) All application and permit fees, renewal fees, transporting vehicle certification 14
501-fees, and all other funds collected by the Department under this subtitle, including any civil 15
502-or administrative penalty or any fine imposed by a court under the provisions of this 16
503-subtitle, shall be paid into the State Hazardous Substance Control Fund. 17
504-
505- (B) THE STATE HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE CONTROL FUND MAY RECEIVE 18
506-MONEY IN ACCORDANCE WITH § 1–7A–04(B) OF THIS ARTICLE. 19
507-
508-9–320. 20
509-
510- (a) There is a Maryland Clean Water Fund. 21
511-
512- (b) (1) The following payments shall be made into the Maryland Clean Water 22
513-Fund: 23
514-
515- [(1)] (I) All application fees, permit fees, renewal fees, and funds 24
516-collected by the Department under this subtitle, including any civil or administrative 25
517-penalty or any fine imposed by a court under the provisions of this subtitle; 26
518-
519- [(2)] (II) Any civil penalty or any fine imposed by a court under the 27
520-provisions of Title 5, Subtitle 5 of this article relating to water appropriation and use; 28
521-
522- [(3)] (III) Any civil or administrative penalty or any fine imposed by a court 29
523-under the provisions of Title 4, Subtitle 1 of this article; 30
524- 12 HOUSE BILL 24
525-
526-
527- [(4)] (IV) Any fees or funds that the Department collects under Subtitle 2, 1
528-Part III of this title and §§ 9–269 and 9–270 of this title and any civil or administrative 2
529-penalty or fine imposed by a court under the provisions of Subtitle 2 of this title; and 3
530-
531- [(5)] (V) Any fees or funds that the Department collects under Subtitle 24 4
532-of this title and any civil or administrative penalty or fine imposed by a court under the 5
533-provisions of Subtitle 24 of this title. 6
534-
535- (2) THE MARYLAND CLEAN WATER FUND MAY RECEIVE MON EY IN 7
536-ACCORDANCE WITH § 1–7A–04(B) OF THIS ARTICLE. 8
537-
538- SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That: 9
539-
540- (a) In accordance with subsection (b) of this section, in initially developing 10
541-regulations under § 1–7A–05 of the Environment Article, as enacted by Section 1 of this 11
542-Act, the Department of the Environment shall consult with stakeholders from the regulated 12
543-community, local governments, underserved and overburdened communities, public health 13
544-experts, and environmental justice advocacy groups. 14
545-
546- (b) The Department shall consult with the stakeholders on the following issues: 15
547-
548- (1) the scope and parameters of the environmental justice evaluation 16
549-required under § 1–7A–02 of the Environment Article, as enacted by Section 1 of this Act; 17
550-
551- (2) the applicability of any fee established under § 1–7A–04 of the 18
552-Environment Article, as enacted by Section 1 of this Act, including any limits on the types 19
553-of technical assistance subject to the fee and any potential maximum cap on the fee; 20
554-
555- (3) the potential types of conditions that could be placed on permits subject 21
556-to the provisions of this Act; 22
557-
558- (4) mitigating and aggravating factors that could assist in determining 23
559-when the Department may place a condition on a permit, or deny a permit under the 24
560-provisions of this Act, including: 25
561-
562- (i) whether the facility is considered vital public infrastructure; 26
563-
564- (ii) the past history of violations of a permitted facility and the 27
565-willingness of the permit holder to address those violations; and 28
566-
567- (iii) the financial impact on the permitted facility and the economic 29
568-opportunity the permitted facility would provide to the affected neighborhood; and 30
569-
570- (5) how the Department can integrate environmental justice 31
571-considerations into general permits included under the definition of “permit” under § 32
572-1–7A–01 of the Environment Article, as enacted by Section 1 of this Act, during their next 33
573-permit renewal period. 34 HOUSE BILL 24 13
574-
575-
576-
577- SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the Department of the 1
578-Environment shall consider methods to improve outreach and notice effectiveness to 2
579-underserved and overburdened communities regarding informational meetings and public 3
580-hearings and comment for tentative determinations for permits. 4
581-
582- SECTION 2. 4. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect 5
583-October 1, 2024. 6
584-
585-
586-
587-
588-Approved:
589-________________________________________________________________________________
590- Governor.
591-________________________________________________________________________________
592- Speaker of the House of Delegates.
593-________________________________________________________________________________
594- President of the Senate.
455+ SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect 18
456+October 1, 2024. 19