MD HB395

Repeals the requirement that a person must hold a Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) discharge permit from the Department of the Environment before beginning construction on any part of a new CAFO

Authorizes the Department of the Environment to allow construction of new animal feeding operations under an alternative approval process when the general discharge permit has been administratively extended

Requires persons seeking construction approval under the new process to demonstrate compliance with the administratively extended general discharge permit requirements and all other applicable laws, regulations, and construction permits

Removes the prohibition preventing the Department from issuing a CAFO discharge permit to persons who violated the pre-construction permit requirement

Designated as an emergency bill, requiring three-fifths vote in both chambers and taking effect immediately upon enactment