Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Bill Would Expand Standing to Challenge Environmental Decisions
The Maryland Chamber opposes legislation that would significantly expand standing to challenge environmental decisions in Maryland (SB 824/HB 1053). This legislation would impact any business that requires environmental permits to operate.
Under current law, in order to challenge a State or local decision, an individual must have personal interest or property right specifically affected in a way that is distinct from the general public. SB 824/HB 1053 takes an extremely broad approach to standing. It provides that any organization (in state or out of state) can have standing as long as one member has standing or is truly aggrieved. It would also allow any person to sue who alleges a negative impact, or even a threat of a negative impact to the public health or their enjoyment of a natural resource.
This legislation could significantly delay projects or interrupt projects already underway. If your business requires environmental permits, and would be impacted by this legislation, we want to hear from you. Please contact Maryland Chamber Vice President of Government Affairs Allyson Black at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
HB 1053 will be heard on March 11 and SB 824 will be heard the following week. We’ll provide more information about this legislation in coming weeks.
