Environmental Laws and Regulations

MDE Regulations in the Development Process

Click here to see a list of environmental regulations which are in the process of being developed, reviewed, or revised by the Department. 

Resources

Following are resources for State and Federal laws and regulations that govern MDE activities:

Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR): http://www.dsd.state.md.us/comar/subtitle_chapters/26_Chapters aspx.  

The Environment Article:
http://michie.lexisnexis.com/maryland/lpext.dll?f=templates&fn=main-h.htm&cp=

Changes to the COMAR, are first published in the Maryland Register, an official publication of the State of Maryland that is published every two weeks.  (Click here for pointers on how to find and print a specific notice of proposed action in the Maryland Register Online.)

The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR):
http://www.gpoaccess.gov/cfr/retrieve.html 

MDE's Regulatory Review Process

The Maryland Department of the Environment’s (MDE) regulatory function occurs through a coordinated effort.  Both internal as well as external reviews are performed.  The review process helps to ensure participation from within MDE as well as from our stakeholders, other agencies, the general public, and other units affected by our regulations.  Areas of involvement may include regional public meetings, public hearings, media publications, etc.

Each newly proposed regulation is published in the Maryland Register.  Every proposal will describe how and when to submit comments.  Additional published information includes comparison to Federal Standards, and economic impacts on agencies, industries, and small businesses.  Regulations are regularly evaluated and updated.

Related Links 

MDE Public Meetings, Hearings and Request for Comments

New Judicial Review Procedures for MDE Permits to Take Effect January 1, 2010

Maryland Manual Online

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