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Maryland Department of the Environment seeks steady funding while defending enforcement settlements and modernization plans
Summary
DLS analysis of MDE’s fiscal 2026 operating request highlighted a $247.3 million budget (up $16.2 million, 7%), recent settlements used to cover mid‑year needs, and outstanding items including a statewide recycling needs assessment, building energy performance standards work, and information‑technology modernization costs.
The subcommittee reviewed the Maryland Department of the Environment's (MDE) fiscal 2026 operating budget and multiple programmatic items, with Department of Legislative Services analyst Andrew Gray presenting the DLS analysis and Secretary Serena McElwain testifying for the agency.
Andrew Gray opened the DLS briefing noting the fiscal 2026 allowance of $247,300,000, an increase of $16,200,000 or about 7%. He highlighted performance measures, permitting backlogs, and the agency’s use of settlements in fiscal 2024 to cover some operating shortfalls. Gray said that MDE reported two substantial enforcement settlements used to support appropriations: an $8,000,000 multi‑year settlement with Purdue Agribusiness LLC and a $1,100,000 settlement with Fleischmann’s Vinegar Company. DLS recommended MDE provide more sustainable fee revenues rather than rely on settlements for recurring needs.
Secretary Serena McElwain told the panel MDE’s budget “is appropriate because it’s based solely on funding just the essential investments so that we can continue to protect the environment and support Maryland’s…
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