On February 25, Executive Director Michael Sanderson testified before the Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee in support of SB 930 – Environment – Managed Aquifer Recharge Pilot Program – Establishment.
This bill authorizes the Maryland Department of the Environment to establish the Managed Aquifer Recharge Pilot Program, potentially helping local leaders improve healthy water supply programs.
Mr. Sanderson noted that the bill evolves the longstanding relationship between the State Department of Environment and county governments, who carry out many of the Department’s functions through delegation. “If this is a best practice,” he said, “let’s see what works, and then share the idea.”
SB 930 is innovative because − instead of relying on a more wasteful linear system – it gives counties a tool to develop more circular systems, reducing both waste and demand for increasingly limited supplies of fresh and usable water.
SB 930’s cross-file, HB 1296, was heard on March 5 in the House Environment and Transportation Committee. Director of Intergovernmental Affairs Dominic Butchko testified in support of this bill.
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