Bay Watch

Frederick News Post Editorial
Originally published May 28, 2009

Some critics of President Barack Obama say he and the federal government are getting too involved in too many issues at once - or too many, period. Perhaps, but we'd like to focus on one that was begging for attention from the highest levels of government-bolstering efforts to rescue and restore the Chesapeake Bay.

After decades of efforts to improve the moribund condition of this critically important mid-Atlantic natural resource, the prognosis is still grave. Despite hundreds of millions of dollars devoted to addressing the causes of the bay's decline to death's door, it's still in critical condition.

The long-term frustration over this situation prompted the Chesapeake Bay Foundation to file suit against the Environmental Protection Agency in January. The suit's aim is to force the EPA to enforce the law and reduce pollution flowing into the bay to a level where it can be removed from the federal government's "impaired waters" list. Obama believes that federal intervention is needed to help ensure the bay's chances of survival and recovery.

Earlier this month he signed an executive order calling for a greater federal role in the struggling bay restoration effort, which continues to flounder now more than a quarter century into the effort. Exactly what this expanded role will be isn't clear, but supporters hope it translates into local communities getting the legal authority and resources they require to clean up and protect their waterways. If those waterways can be made safe for fishing and swimming, the bay will be the ultimate benefactor.

Last week 60 environmental groups from the six states whose rivers drain into the bay announced the formation of a coalition that will press for more federal involvement in this effort. The Choose Clean Water Campaign's membership is impressive, comprising organizations such as American Rivers, the National Resources Defense Fund, and Ducks Unlimited. Environment-minded organizations large and small, from the National Wildlife Federation to the Float Fishermen of Virginia, have come aboard.

We share the general concern that many express about the potential problems of government involvement in the private sector. But this is a public issue, and there are some initiatives that are so big, complicated and involve so many jurisdictions that federal intervention may be the only hope for success.

The restoration of the Chesapeake Bay has, so far, proved to be just that. This new coalition could be the driving force behind finally making some real progress in cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay. Between the efforts of the Choose Clean Water Campaign and the new federal commitment that Obama's executive order proclaims, this critical mission may get on track and moving. Let's all hope that it isn't already too late.