The Maryland Chamber’s Board of Directors has launched a board-level task force to research and evaluate environmental issues and promote more balanced environmental policy.

There was a lot of debate on environmental and energy related issued during the 2008 General Assembly session. Issues like global warming and greenhouse gas reduction, Maryland’s looming energy, and more were debated last year and will be back in 2009.

The Chamber’s new task for with meet during the interim (May thru September), to develop a proactive plan to encourage balanced environmental policy that addresses environmental concerns while maintaining the interests of the business community.

Terry Neimeyer, the Maryland Chamber’s Immediate Past Chairman and Chairman/CEO of KCI Technologies, will chair this eight member task force, which will also include five ad hoc members, including the leadership of the Maryland Chamber’s Environmental Committee. The task force will review trends and evaluate opportunities and programs that encourage measured and objective environmental policy. The task force will also recommend a broader environmental policy statement to the full Board of Directors as part of the Maryland Chamber’s 2009 Business Agenda.

We’ll keep you informed as the task force begins its work.