Maryland bill on chicken house permit draws environmentalists’ concern

The Maryland Department of the Environment is backing a bill that would allow construction of chicken houses before it re-issues a key permit for the industry.

By: Christine Condon

Outlets: Maryland Matters

Published: February 13, 2026

Words: 1,226

Last Updated: 2 weeks, 6 days ago

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Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain admits that her agency “did lapse,” in failing to reissue a critical permit for chicken houses on time.

In response, the agency is backing an emergency bill in the General Assembly that would allow construction to start on new chicken houses before the new permit is released for the industry.

The bill has vociferous support from chicken farmers, who argue they have lost time and money …

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