On February 26, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs Dominic Butchko testified before the Environment and Transportation Committee in support of HB 1058 – Emission Standards, Ambient Air Quality Standards, and Solid Waste Management – Local Authority.
This bill would clarify the intent of the General Assembly that counties have the power to regulate outdoor air quality and enact regulations that are as strict or stricter than the federal and state floors.
HB 1058 is necessary to clarify the intent of the General Assembly and solidify that counties have the authority to go above and beyond federal and state air quality standards.
From MACo Testimony:
Local jurisdictions deserve the flexibility to tailor environmental standards to serve their communities. Counties recognize the importance of a healthy environment and have largely been leading the charge in securing better environmental outcomes. The General Assembly has empowered and continues to empower counties in taking this lead. Recently, though, some courts have thrown doubt on the General Assembly’s intent regarding this grant of authority – specifically, in the area of air quality. This doubt has led to costly litigation and has hampered local governments’ ability to push for a healthier environment
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