Chesapeake Bay Coalition Endorses Federal Legislation

Annapolis, MD-  A coalition of more than 100 conservation organizations from the 6-state watershed of the Chesapeake Bay today endorsed the Chesapeake Clean Water and Ecosystem Restoration Act introduced in Congress Oct 19, 2009 by Senator Ben Cardin of Maryland.

"The Chesapeake is a reflection of all the rivers and streams that flow to it, as the polluted state of the Bay today shows us the result of a generation of failed promises and voluntary exercises," said Hilary Harp Falk, Senior Manager of the Coalition.  "Senator Cardin’s legislation, the Chesapeake Clean Water and Ecosystem Restoration Act, could provide that last real opportunity to restore the Bay in our lifetime."

The legislation gives Chesapeake Bay states strong tools to restore their rivers and streams with a significant increase in federal funds.  It also tackles some of the hardest pollution to reduce, what comes off all of the lands in the 64,000 square mile watershed.

The Chesapeake Bay Coalition is comprised of over 100 organizations from the six states and the nation’s capital, representing over 1 million members in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.  As part of our campaign to Choose Clean Water, the coalition will work now to ensure the passage of this important legislation as its highest priority.