Bill > SB978

This bill, known as the CHERISH Our Communities Act, introduces comprehensive new requirements for environmental permitting in Maryland, focusing on environmental justice and community impact. The legislation creates a detailed process for evaluating permits for specific types of projects (termed "covered projects") that have potential adverse environmental and public health impacts, particularly in census tracts deemed "at-risk" based on an Environmental Justice (EJ) Score. Applicants must now include an environmental impact analysis with their permit applications, detailing project descriptions, potential environmental and health impacts, alternatives, resource commitments, and mitigation measures. For projects within 1.5 miles of an at-risk census tract, applicants must also submit an "existing burden report" that comprehensively catalogs current environmental stressors in the community. The Department of the Environment will review these reports and can either deny permits for projects deemed to pose significant risks or conditionally approve them with additional requirements, including mandatory contributions to a community mitigation fund. The bill covers a wide range of projects, from mining operations and energy facilities to manufacturing sites and waste processing centers, and aims to provide more transparent, community-focused environmental permitting that considers cumulative environmental impacts. The new regulations will take effect on October 1, 2025, giving stakeholders time to prepare for the enhanced reporting and review processes.

Education

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0978?ys=2025RS