# Land Use (GLU)

## Title 1. Definitions; General Provisions

### Subtitle 4. Home Rule Counties

#### Section 1-411

(a)

  (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

  (2) "Environmental justice" has the meaning stated in Sec. 1-701 of the Environment Article.

  (3) "Overburdened community" has the meaning stated in Sec. 1-701 of the Environment Article.

  (4) "Underserved community" has the meaning stated in Sec. 1-701 of the Environment Article.

(b) In addition to implementing the planning principle in Sec. 1-201(b)(5) of this title, the equity element shall address:

  (1) the needs of overburdened and underserved communities in the county; and

  (2) the interests of populations in the county that typically have not participated in the planning process.

(c)

  (1) The equity element shall be informed by the annual report of the Commission on Environmental Justice and Sustainable Communities, as described in Sec. 1-701 of the Environment Article.

  (2)

    (i) The Department of Planning shall:

      (1) provide a charter county with the best available population and demographic data from the U.S. Census Bureau; and

      (2) facilitate, to the extent possible, the provision of data relevant to the preparation of the equity element from other State and federal agencies.

    (ii) The Department of the Environment shall provide a charter county with data on environmental justice.

(d) The equity element may include potential strategies to:

  (1) promote broader civic engagement in the public decision-making process;

  (2) reduce the unique or compounded health risks and environmental problems in overburdened and underserved communities; and

  (3) prioritize improvements and programs that address the needs of overburdened and underserved communities.

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Md. Code Ann., Land Use (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)