§ 9-291

(a) In this section, “Coordinating Committee” means the Statewide Coal Combustion By–Products Coordinating Committee.

(b) There is a Statewide Coal Combustion By–Products Coordinating Committee.

(c) The Coordinating Committee consists of the following members:

(1) The Secretary, or the Secretary’s designee;

(2) One representative of the Commission on Environmental Justice and Sustainable Communities;

(3) One representative of the Power Plant Research Program in the Department of Natural Resources; and

(4) Three members, appointed by the Secretary, each with technical expertise in one of the following subjects:

(i) Coal combustion by–products;

(ii) Public health; and

(iii) Water quality.

(d) The Secretary shall designate the chair of the Coordinating Committee.

(e) The Department and the Power Plant Research Program in the Department of Natural Resources shall jointly provide staff for the Coordinating Committee.

(f) A member of the Coordinating Committee:

(1) May not receive compensation as a member of the Coordinating Committee; but

(2) Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.

(g) The Coordinating Committee shall:

(1) Beginning in 2026, meet at least twice a year, at the times and places that the Coordinating Committee determines; and

(2) With respect to coal combustion by–product sites:

(i) Share information on monitoring results; and

(ii) Discuss remedial action that is in process, that is still required, or both.

(h) On or before October 1, 2026, and each October 1 thereafter, the Coordinating Committee shall report its findings during the immediately preceding calendar year to the Senate Committee on Education, Energy, and the Environment and the House Environment and Transportation Committee, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article.