If the Department initiates any proposed State action affecting the quality of the environment, or if the Department receives for review or coordination notice of any proposed State action, the Department shall consider:

1. A. Adverse or beneficial environmental effects that are reasonably likely if the proposal is implemented or if it is not implemented;
2. B. Measures that might be taken to minimize potential adverse environmental effects or maximize potential beneficial environmental effects; and
3. C. Reasonable alternatives to the proposed action that might have less adverse environmental effects or greater beneficial environmental effects, including the alternative of no action.

Authority: Natural Resources Article, §§1-303 and 1-304, Annotated Code of Maryland; Environmental Policy Act Guidelines
of the Secretary of Natural Resources

Effective date: July 3, 1974

Chapter recodified from COMAR 16.00.01 to COMAR 16.01.01

Chapter revised effective November 30, 1987 (14:24 Md. R. 2556)

Chapter recodified from COMAR 16.01.01 to COMAR 14.24.01 in July 1, 1989

Chapter recodified from COMAR 14.24.01 to COMAR 34.01.02 effective March 10, 2009

Regulation .04A, B amended effective April 24, 2017 (44:8 Md. R. 407)