Bill > HB1058

This bill clarifies and expands the authority of local political subdivisions (such as counties or municipalities) to establish their own environmental regulations related to emission standards, ambient air quality, and solid waste management. The legislation specifies that local governments can adopt ordinances, rules, or regulations that are at least as stringent as state standards, but cannot create less restrictive standards. The bill explicitly allows local jurisdictions to request more restrictive standards from the state Department of the Environment and ensures that local regulations will not be considered in conflict with state standards if they meet certain criteria, such as being technically possible for regulated entities to comply with both state and local standards. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of the Environment to publish information on its website by October 1, 2025, recognizing the legal authority of political subdivisions to adopt local environmental ordinances within their jurisdictional boundaries, as long as these local standards are at least as stringent as state and federal standards. The new provisions will take effect on July 1, 2025, and aim to provide more clarity and flexibility for local governments in managing environmental regulations.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1058?ys=2025RS