Expert witness Dr. Jones clarifies testimony role in MDE permit hearing

The government meeting held on April 29, 2025, in Howard County, Maryland, focused on a contentious hearing regarding environmental concerns related to a permit application. The session featured expert witness testimony, specifically from Dr. Jones, who was called to evaluate the potential health effects of plastics incineration.

The meeting began with an objection raised by a participant regarding the role of Dr. Jones. The speaker emphasized that Dr. Jones was not retained as a lobbyist for the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) but rather as an expert witness to provide insights on the permit application. This distinction was crucial as it framed the context of Dr. Jones's testimony.

During the questioning, Dr. Jones confirmed that her employment was limited to analyzing the permit application and that she was not tasked with engaging with MDE. This point was reiterated multiple times, highlighting the separation between her role and the responsibilities of the MDE. The questioning also sought to clarify whether Dr. Jones had voluntarily chosen to attend the hearing, to which she affirmed that she was present voluntarily but within the confines of her designated role.

The discussion underscored the legal responsibilities of the MDE in evaluating the permit application, particularly concerning emissions and their potential impact on the community. Dr. Jones acknowledged that it was indeed the MDE's obligation to assess these factors, not that of the Howard County Department of Planning and Zoning (DPZ).

The meeting concluded with no further questions from the opposing party, indicating a resolution on the matter of Dr. Jones's employment and the scope of her testimony. Overall, the session highlighted the complexities of environmental regulation and the delineation of responsibilities among various governmental entities.