Bill Positions

Bill Number: SB 70

Bill Title: Natural Resources - Scenic and Wild Rivers Program

Bill Sponsor(s): Senator Stone, et al

Subject: Environment & Energy

Committee: EHE

Bill Summary: The bill would add the Back River (located in parts of Baltimore County and City) to the list of rivers included in the Maryland's Scenic and Wild Rivers Program. The bill also would relax the definition of "scenic river" to allow the term to apply to any river with at least 2 "CUMULATIVE" miles of undeveloped shoreline. The addition of the "CUMULATIVE" language is necessary to allow the Back River to fit the current definition of "scenic river" because the Back River is so heavily developed.

Under the current Scenic and Wild Rivers law, after a river is named to the Scenic and Wild Rivers Program, DNR and the appropriate local jurisdiction are required to develop a plan for "the wise management of resources" that "preserves and protects the natural values" of the river; "enhance[s] water quality"; and "fulfill vital conservation purposes by wise use of resources within their surrounding environment."

History: The Chamber took no position on an identical bill in 2004. HB 713 of 2004 was withdrawn by sponsor.

Chamber Position: Oppose

Position Summary: The Maryland Chamber of Commerce opposes this bill because it would allow Baltimore County, with the consent of the State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), to impose significant new development restrictions on businesses in the Back River area. Prior studies by DNR have not found a basis for recommending inclusion of the Back River in this program. Therefore, we believe that it would be preferable for DNR to conduct a new review of the advisability and impact of adding Back River to the Scenic and Wild Rivers Program prior to the General Assembly considering such legislation.

Position Statement: Click here to download a pdf version of the Maryland Chamber's position statement.

Chamber Staff: Allyson Black

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