![[photo, Montgomery Park Business Center, 1800 Washington Blvd., Baltimore, Maryland]](/msa/mdmanual/14doe/images/1198-1-655.jpg)
c/o Office of Secretary, Dept. of the Environment
Montgomery Park Business Center, 1800 Washington Blvd., Baltimore, Maryland, February 2004. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.
Appointed by Governor: Calvin B. Ball, Ed.D.; Jennifer Bevan-Dangel; Richard W. Fairbanks; Andrew M. Fellows; Thurmon B. Jones, Jr.; John R. Kotoski; Vernice D. Miller-Travis; Jennifer S. Peterson, Esq.; John Quinn; Rebecca C. Rehr; Delora Sanchez. Terms expire 2012.
Appointed by Senate President: William C. Ferguson IV
Appointed by House Speaker: Elizabeth Bobo
Ex officio: Christian S. Johansson, Secretary of Business & Economic Development; Lisa Nissley, designee of Secretary of the Environment; Clifford S. Mitchell, M.D., designee of Secretary of Health & Mental Hygiene; Raymond A. Skinner, Secretary of Housing & Community Development; Arabia M. Davis, designee of Secretary of Planning; Beverley K. Swaim-Staley, Secretary of Transportation.
Staff: Lisa Nissley
In March 2001, the Governor created the Commission on Environmental Justice and Sustainable Communities (Executive Order 01.01.2001.01). Effective October 1, 2003, the Commission was established by statute (Chapter 460, Acts of 2003). Environmental justice concerns the resolution of environmental issues in a manner equitable to all those affected by them. It has been defined as ". . . equal protection from environmental and health hazards for all people regardless of race, income, culture, and social class." (Chapter 741, Acts of 1997).
On issues related to environmental justice and sustainable communities, the Commission advises State agencies. With the Children's Environmental Health and Protection Advisory Council, it coordinates recommendations on such issues.
The Commission analyzes and reviews what impact current State laws, regulations, and policy have on the equitable treatment and protection of communities threatened by development or environmental pollution, and determines what areas in the State need immediate attention. Further, the Commission assesses the adequacy of current statutes to ensure environmental justice, and develops criteria to pinpoint which communities need sustaining.
Twenty members constitute the Commission. Twelve are appointed by the Governor, one by the Senate President, and one by the House Speaker. Five members serve ex officio (Code Environment Article, sec. 1-701).
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