Ch. 234

LAWS OP MARYLAND

WHEREAS, It is now time to determine if changes need to be
made so as to make the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Protection
Program more effective in the protection of water quality and
habitat of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries; and

WHEREAS, It is also time to assess whether changes are
needed to address the special characteristics and needs of the
individual counties and municipalities having land within the
critical areas while at the same time keeping within the spirit
and intent of the original criteria; now, therefore,

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That : the Laws of Maryland read as follows:

Article - Natural Resources

8-1808.

(d) (1) The Commission shall promulgate by regulation on or
before December 1, 1985, criteria for program development and
approval, which are necessary or appropriate to achieve the
standards stated in subsection (b) of this section. Prior to
developing its criteria and also prior to adopting its criteria,
the Commission shall hold at least 6 regional public hearings,
one in each of the following areas:

(i) Harford, Cecil, and Kent counties;

(ii) Queen Anne's, Talbot, and Caroline
counties;

counties;

and

(iii) Dorchester, Somerset, and Wicomico

(iv) Baltimore City and Baltimore County;

(v) Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary's counties;

(vi) Anne Arundel and Prince George's counties.

During the hearing process, the Commission shall
consult with each affected local jurisdiction.

(2) The President of the Senate and the Speaker of
the House shall appoint 5 senators and 5 delegates respectively
to serve as the Joint Committee on Chesapeake Bay Critical Areas.
The Joint Committee shall be staffed by the Department of
Legislative Reference. The Commission shall meet with the Joint
Committee on Chesapeake Bay Critical Areas periodically as the
Committee requests to review development and implementation of
the criteria for program development.

- 2346 -