Environmental justice is about listening to communities affected by pollution and being transparent about our role as regulators. That is why we have made significant improvements to how the Maryland Department of the Environment interacts with the public.
We have implemented new features and products to amplify public engagement, starting with our website. A great place to start is our community calendar, where you can browse everything from public hearings to neighborhood festivals and educational programs about topics related to cleaner land, water and air. Submitting formal comments on draft permits is also much easier and accessible on your phone using online forms. Recent draft permits for the coal terminal in Curtis Bay and a crematory in North Baltimore both have summaries, important documents and the opportunity to submit comments.
It is difficult for us to be responsive to the community’s concerns if we don’t ask for feedback before we make decisions that impact our most vulnerable and underserved communities, such as the one I grew up in. I know firsthand how community members feel when learning of big changes in the neighborhood from the news. We felt left behind, not heard, not valued. As a regulator, I never want anyone to feel that way.
That is why we have added more outreach and listening sessions for the public. Last month, we held three virtual outreach sessions regarding decarbonizing large buildings in Maryland so that members of the public could participate live or watch the presentation later on YouTube. Our redesigned webpage contains a variety of information and resources for property owners and landlords to get started in making their buildings safer and more energy efficient.
And we would love to get your feedback on an upcoming new statewide permit related to the poultry industry. Stay tuned to our social media and website for an announcement in a few weeks about listening sessions to be held in communities near commercial poultry operations.
In short, government must be accessible and responsive to everyone. That is the only way we will find solutions to complex problems. We appreciate your feedback on how we can continue to improve.
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