Bill Positions

Bill Number: SB 122

Bill Title: Surface Mining - Performance Bond Cap - Repeal

Bill Sponsor(s): Senator Astle

Subject: Environment & Energy

Committee: EHE

Bill Summary: Repealing a $1,250 cap on the per acre amount of a performance bond required by the Department of the Environment from an applicant for a surface mining permit; requiring the Department to ensure that the amount of the bond is sufficient to ensure compliance with federal and State environmental laws; etc.

History: None

Chamber Position: Oppose

Position Summary: The Maryland Chamber of Commerce opposes HB 317 because lifting the cap on performance bonds for surface mining: (1) would not remedy the risk of environmental contamination caused by disposing of fly ash in a surface mine; (2) increases State workload by causing review and calculation of every performance bond amount based on additional potential compliance and (3) increases the operating costs of a surface mine which cannot be reliably estimated by the mining company.

Position Statement: Coming Soon

Chamber Staff: Allyson Black

General Assembly: Click here to view the bill on the Maryland General Assembly's website.