Media Advisory of Coalition Launch

For Immediate Release Contact: Hilary Harp Falk

May 18, 2009 443-759-3406

NEW CHESAPEAKE COALITION TO LAUNCH FEDERAL CAMPAIGN FOR CLEAN WATER

More Than 50 Organizations Join to Push for Stronger Federal Action

Washington, DC – More than 50 organizations representing hundreds of thousands of members and activists from throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed will join together Wednesday on Capitol Hill to launch a new coordinated campaign to push for stronger federal action on restoration of the Chesapeake Bay.

Participating organizations will launch this campaign at a press conference and briefing for the media, Members of Congress and the Administration in the Capitol on Wednesday, May 20th at 4 P.M.

Congressional leaders including US Senator Ben Cardin (MD), US Rep. Chris Van Hollen (MD-08), US Rep. Gerry Connolly (VA-11), US Rep. Frank Kratovil (MD-01) and others will join with leaders of regional and national conservation organizations for the event.

The coalition has identified several opportunities to improve water quality at the federal level, including implementation of President Obama’s recent Executive Order related to Chesapeake Bay restoration. “With President Obama’s new executive order seeking a stronger federal response to Bay restoration efforts, we have a unique opportunity to shape the federal role and ensure everyone’s right to clean water,” said coalition director Hilary Harp Falk.

“We are very excited to be part of this new effort because clean water is important for everyone in our region. The state of the Chesapeake is only the cumulative result of the many policy decisions made by our leaders every day, and together we will provide the public voice and the mandate for change. From now on when faced with a choice, we must choose clean water,” said Bill Street, Executive Director of the James River Association.

Wednesday, May 20th

4 to 5 P.M.

North Congressional Meeting Room, US Capitol Visitors Center

Washington, DC