I am disgusted by the hit job on the environment currently being orchestrated by the Maryland homebuilders ("Storm water regulations would cost jobs," Readers respond, Jan. 26). The poll they just released suggests that anything we do to improve the Chesapeake Bay will drive the economy further into recession. Their public statements have made practical environmental safeguards look heavy-handed and senseless.
They are doing this to fight against new rules that would reduce urban and suburban runoff pollution that goes into the bay. Rather than requiring expensive underground pipes that divert rainwater directly to rivers, the rules require developers to use simple design techniques like putting deep plant beds next to parking lots to absorb dirty runoff. This will create jobs for civil engineers and landscaping companies.
It is time to stop pitting the environment against the economy. Developers can make plenty of money building smart growth neighborhoods.
Brad Heavner, Baltimore
The writer is state director of Environment Maryland.