Howard County Senate Bill 966 mandates air quality permit transparency and community engagement

The Maryland General Assembly's Education, Energy, and Environment Committee convened on March 11, 2025, to discuss Senate Bill 966, which focuses on ambient air quality permits in Howard County. This local bill arises from significant community opposition to a proposed air quality permit for a plastics recycling facility located near residential areas.

The committee highlighted several issues with the current air quality permit process, particularly the lack of awareness among residents regarding how to request information about proposed permits. To address this, the bill proposes that the local delegation be included in the permit process, ensuring constituents can participate in informational meetings about relevant projects.

Another critical aspect of the bill is the requirement for air quality permit applicants to obtain a letter from the county confirming compliance with local zoning regulations. Currently, these letters are often issued without sufficient community input. The bill mandates that Howard County hold a public hearing before issuing any zoning approval letters, aiming to enhance transparency and community involvement.

Residents have expressed dissatisfaction with the current situation, particularly regarding the history of the land where the facility is proposed. The land was previously owned by the company applying for the permit, which sold it to developers who built homes adjacent to the facility. Many residents feel misled about the potential impacts on their neighborhood when they purchased their properties.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for annual air quality reporting to homeowners' associations near the project, allowing residents to stay informed about any pollution-related issues. An initial proposal for a tax credit for affected property owners was included in the bill, but the delegation has requested its removal, acknowledging concerns raised by the Maryland Department of Environment.

The discussions during the committee session underscore the importance of community engagement in environmental decision-making and the need for clearer communication regarding air quality permits in Howard County. The next steps will involve further deliberation on the bill and its amendments as it moves through the legislative process.