On March 15, 2022, Associate Policy Director D’Paul Nibber submitted testimony to the House Health and Government Operations Committee in opposition to HB 1033 – Environment and Energy – Investment in Overburdened Communities. The bill would require state and local governments to direct at least 40% of overall spending, covering various environmental areas, toward overburdened communities.

From the MACo testimony: 

This bill is broad in both its scope and effect. By tying up nearly half of all resources going into environmental projects, this bill drastically limits the flexibility of county governments to respond to local needs. Critical infrastructure projects located in areas not classified as
overburdened communities, but are nonetheless vital to those living in overburdened communities and elsewhere, would be tied up if not made entirely non-viable. Broad mandates such as the one currently proposed in HB 1033 carry significant unforeseen consequences – a practical impediment to target universal snowfall, or a local disaster impact, for instance.

More on MACo’s Advocacy: 

Follow MACo’s advocacy efforts during the 2022 legislative session on MACo’s Legislative Tracking Database.
Learn more about MACo’s 2022 Legislative Initiatives.
Read more General Assembly News on MACo’s Conduit Street blog.