The Democratic Club of Kent County extends an invitation to all members of the community, to attend our next online meeting and learn about the work of ShoreRivers to promote positive environmental legislation in Maryland this year. ShoreRivers is a river protection group on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, with over 2,000 members. Their mission is to protect and restore our Eastern Shore waterways through science-based advocacy, restoration, and education. More information is available on their website: https://www.shorerivers.org/.
Our speaker will be ShoreRivers’ Emily Harris, who will report on environmental legislation being considered this session by the Maryland General Assembly. As ShoreRivers’ Policy and Communications Specialist, Ms. Harris coordinates ShoreRivers’ state and federal legislative efforts and supports the organization’s Riverkeepers at the local level. She received a Master of Science in Law with a specialization in Environmental Law from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law in 2020 and earned her bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Chesapeake Studies from Washington College in 2015.
ShoreRivers will present an update on their policy priorities and key pieces of legislation for the 2022 Legislative Session. These bills cover a range of topics focused on improving water quality, protecting public health, and responsibly managing our natural resources. The organization’s number one priority bill is HB649/SB492 Environment – Discharge Permits – Inspections and Administrative Continuations, which will limit the length of time Maryland Department of the Environment can administratively continue water pollution discharge permits (commonly known as “zombie permits”) and establish administrative penalties for permittees found to be in significant noncompliance with water quality standards, effluent limitations, or other requirements. The hearing for HB649 is on Wednesday, February 16 at 1:00 PM in the House Environment & Transportation Committee.
ShoreRivers also recently provided testimony on the Private Well Safety Act (HB250) which would increase transparency around water quality in private well water and provide funding to assist property owners with well water testing and remediation. In January the organization co-hosted the Maryland Environmental Legislative Summit which featured discussion of the Maryland Environmental Human Rights Amendment (HB596), the Climate Solutions Now Act (SB528/HB708), and the George”Walter” Taylor Act (HB275/SB273) restricting use and disposal of PFAS chemicals, three priority bills for environmental advocates statewide. These are just a few of the bills ShoreRivers is working to actively support and pass this session.
The public is invited to join old friends and make new ones at this meeting, which will take place via Zoom on Thursday evening, February 17th. The meeting will open for a social time at 6:30 pm, including a brief business meeting. At 7:00 we’ll hear from Ms. Harris, with an extended opportunity for questions and discussion. Members will receive the Zoom link prior to the meeting – others please contact the club at info@dckcmd.com for an invitation to attend.