ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR., Governor

Ch. 460

WHEREAS, The State supports and is committed to the principle of
environmental justice and equal protection of all citizens of the State in a manner
that fully complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; and

WHEREAS, Major statewide revitalization initiatives for reducing sprawl,
encouraging redevelopment, and enhancing community life address environmental
conditions of our communities and provide new economic opportunities in these
communities, while preserving more pristine areas from sprawl and additional
pollution; and

WHEREAS, Economic development and environmental protection are
interdependent, and equal treatment and opportunities must be afforded to all
citizens of the State by involving affected communities; and

WHEREAS, Chapter 741 of the Acts of 1997 established the Maryland Advisory
Council on Environmental Justice, which made recommendations for assessing and
implementing environmental protection to communities in a fair and equitable
manner throughout the State; and

WHEREAS, Chapter 585 of the Acts of 2000 established the Children's
Environmental Health and Protection Advisory Council to recommend, in part,
solutions to environmental justice issues affecting the health of children; and

WHEREAS, Certain communities in the State may suffer disproportionately
from environmental hazards related to programs and policies designed to encourage
industrial, municipal, or commercial revitalization; and

WHEREAS, Fair treatment suggests that no community should
disproportionately suffer the negative environmental impacts resulting from
industrial, municipal, and commercial operations or the implementation of State,
local, and municipal programs and policies; and

WHEREAS, Environmental justice considerations should be integrated into the
State's revitalization initiatives for reducing sprawl, encouraging redevelopment, and
enhancing community life; and

WHEREAS, Environmental justice does not need to hinder economic
development, and economic development and environmental equity in the State can
and should be effectively balanced; and

WHEREAS, An executive order was issued and signed by former Governor
Parris Glendening to create a temporary Commission on Environmental Justice and
Sustainable Communities; now, therefore,

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

Article - Environment

1-101.

(a) In this article the following words have the meanings indicated.

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