"The HAA regulations constitute the most sweeping air pollution emission reduction measure in Maryland history."
- Maryland Department of the Environment
Maryland Healthy Air Act
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“The AQCAC approved emergency regulations on December 22, 2006 that were submitted by the MDE to the AELR. The MDE hosted regulatory language discussions with both the affected emission sources and the environmental community. These emergency regulations target four-pollutants that create fine particle and ozone related emissions.
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The law and subsequent regulations will reduce Nitrogen Oxides by 70% in 2009 and 75% in 2012, Sulfur Dioxides by 80% in 2010 and 85% in 2013, and Mercury emissions by 80% in 2010 and 90% in 2013. The Healthy Air Act also requires Maryland to become a member of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) which was established to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.” The HAA prohibits Maryland power plants from acquiring out-of-state emissions allowances (trading credits) in lieu of adding pollution controls locally.
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The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is a cooperative efforts between states on the East Coast who aim to cap CO2 emissions in the power sector. Each state creates independent regulations, based on the RGGI Model Rule, that are a part of the state's CO2 Budget Trading Program to limit emissions of CO2. They regulate electric power plants, issues CO2 allowances and establishes participation in regional CO2 allowance auctions.
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While there is much to do, there has been a significant decrease in pollution levels in the state of Maryland due to the MHAA.
The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE)
General Assembly’s Joint Committee of Administrative, Executive, and Legislative Review (AELR)
Maryland’s Air Quality Control Advisory Committee (AQCAC)
Abbreviations to know:
Maryland Recycling Act
The Maryland Recycling Act (MRA) established in 1988:
The act authorized the MDE to implement education programs, control management and regulation needed to reduce the disposal of solid waste in Maryland. The MRA requires that each of Maryland's jurisdictions not only develop and implement recycling programs but also report the amount and types of materials recycled annually. This Act aims to increase recycling incentives and forces in order to redirect waste away from landfills and waste incinerators.
In 2012, The Maryland General Assembly passed House Bill (HB) 929: Environment -- Recycling Rates and Waste Diversion -- Statewide Goals, Chapter 692, Acts of 2012 (the "law"). The law requires full implementation of the county's revised recycling law by December 31, 2015, requires each county to create or revise it's recycling plan by July 01, 2012.
The law requires that each recycling plan include a provision that provides for a reduction through recycling of at least 35% for a county with a population greater than 150,000 or 20% for a county with a population less than 150,000.
The recycling plan must include a 30% recycling rate mandate.
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In 2020 house representatives produced provisions to the MRA that address the definition of recyclable renewables. Previously the definition included incinerator ash and the revisions will affect tax structure and sustainable energy goals of waste incinerators in Maryland. The update is referred to the Environment and Transportation House Committee.
