Wednesday, April 07, 2010
Compromise Stormwater Regs Approved
A key legislative committee yesterday approved changes to the stormwater regulations set to take effect next month. The compromise regulations were developed by Maryland developers, environmentalists and government officials to address some of the the concerns outlined by the business community and local governments.
The new emergency regulations will give developers more time to complete their projects before having to meet the new, stricter stormwater management rules. The compromise would “grandfather” some additional projects that were already in the planning pipeline. It would also give developers additional flexibility for redevelopment projects in designated growth areas.
The compromise was brokered by House Environmental Matters Committee Chair Del. Maggie McIntosh (D-Dist. 43). The regulatory changes required the approval of the Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review (AELR). After AELR delayed its vote on the compromise regulations, the House of Delegates passed a bill to make the changes through legislation. The bill was scheduled to be heard this week by the Senate Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee. With AELR approval, legislation is no longer necessary.
For more information, contact Allyson Black at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
