Executive Order a Step Backward for Clean Water

(ANNAPOLIS, MD)—Yesterday, President Trump signed an Executive Order targeting the Chesapeake Bay restoration effort and the ability of states and localities to address stormwater pollution. In response, Choose Clean Water Coalition Director Kristin Reilly issued the following statement:

“Time and again, this administration consistently highlights the Chesapeake Bay restoration effort as a model of the progress that is possible when federal, state, and local governments work collaboratively for clean water. But this is just another example of their actions not reflecting their words, as they continue to take actions that would hurt the partnership and limit our progress.

“Repeatedly, the administration has proposed the termination of critical federal funding for the Chesapeake Bay region and now this Executive Order aims to strip away the right of local governments to make decisions based on the needs of their community.

“Local funding translates into real investments that protect drinking water, mitigate dangerous flooding, and ensure safe and healthy neighborhoods across the Chesapeake region. This Executive Order tries to remove this critical tool at a time when our nation’s water infrastructure is failing and the federal response has been left wanting.

“The Chesapeake Bay restoration effort has always been a bipartisan effort and requires more investment, strong partnerships, and sustained action to continue its success.”

The Choose Clean Water Coalition is an organization that harnesses the collective power of more than 325 local, state, regional and national groups to advocate for clean rivers and streams in all communities in the Chesapeake region.

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