On March 1, 2024, Executive Director Michael Sanderson testified before the House Environment and Transportation Committee in support of HB 1165 – Stream and Watershed Restoration – Stream Restoration Contractor Licensing and Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Restoration and Funding (Whole Watershed Act) with amendments. This bill establishes the Whole Watershed Restoration Partnership, shifting state policy to place more focus on whole watershed restoration projects.
MACo has been working with the bill sponsors and the Maryland Department of the Environment, as well as other members of the House and Senate, on additional amendments that will tie in other key considerations related to restoration efforts. The amendments should cover the scope of project notification for certain projects, community input and meeting requirements, and certain responsibilities of the state related to approval processes. Stakeholders are close to having a final consensus amendments.
In an effort to better guide boots-on-the-ground leaders, state and federal policy makers have prioritized a menu of practices aimed at meeting certain environmental benchmarks. Currently, though, the structure of this menu and the execution of programs has led to singular one-off projects, instead of a larger coordinated effort. HB 1165 is a first step changing that, incentivizing the breaking down of silos and encouraging all stakeholders to participate in a broader plan.
HB 1165’s cross-file, SB 969, was heard on March 5, 2024 in the Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee. Dominic Butchko testified in support of this bill with amendments.
SB 969 was heard in the opposite chamber, the House Environment and Transportation Committee, on March 26. MACo submitted testimony in support of this bill with amendments.
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