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Delegate Tarasa seeks to cement local power to set stricter air, water and waste rules
Summary
HB 517 would clarify that Maryland jurisdictions may adopt emission standards, ambient air quality rules and solid-waste regulations that are as strict or stricter than state and federal law; sponsor and environmental groups urged the committee to approve the bill to avoid litigation that has chilled local action.
Delegate Jen Tarasa urged the House Environment and Transportation Committee to give House Bill 517 a favorable report, saying the measure merely clarifies a long-standing intent: municipalities and counties should be able to adopt environmental standards that are more protective than state or federal minimums.
"This bill is simple," Tarasa told the committee. She and witnesses said recent court decisions have created uncertainty about whether…
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