(a) An action brought pursuant to this subtitle may not be compromised, discontinued, or dismissed by consent, by default, or for neglect to prosecute, except with the approval of the court. The approval may not be granted when the court determines that a monetary settlement, in excess of court costs and attorneys fees, has been offered by a defendant to a plaintiff, who has standing to sue only by virtue of this subtitle, as consideration for the settlement. If the court upon application of a defendant determines that an action in which a plaintiff has acquired standing solely by virtue of this subtitle was brought in bad faith or solely for purposes of harassment or delay, it may, after further hearing on this specific question, award to the defendant against the plaintiff a judgment for all or part of the court costs, including attorneys fees, as the defendant may establish were incurred by him in defending the action together with any damages sustained by the defendant as a result of the action having been brought, including witness fees.
(b) The Maryland Rules apply to all actions brought under this subtitle except where the provisions of this subtitle specifically describe other procedures.
Structure Maryland Statutes
Title 1 - Department of Natural Resources
Subtitle 5 - Environmental Standing Act
Section 1-502 - Declaration of Legislative Policy and Intent
Section 1-503 - Actions for Declaratory and Equitable Relief
Section 1-504 - Limitations on Right of Action; Defenses
Section 1-505 - Venue, Pleadings, and Procedure