Chesapeake Bay Advocates Showcase Need for Federal Funding on Capitol Hill Amidst Historic Sewage Spill
(WASHINGTON, DC)—Today, more than 80 members of the Choose Clean Water Coalition met with their members of Congress to urge support for the restoration of the rivers and streams that feed the Chesapeake Bay. The six states in the Chesapeake Bay watershed and the District of Columbia have worked with the federal government on a historic restoration program. Projects supported with federal investments generate positive environmental benefits, create jobs, and stimulate local economies.
“Like the many waterways that converge in the Chesapeake Bay, clean water is a tremendous uniting force on Capitol Hill,” said Kristin Reilly, Director of the Choose Clean Water Coalition. “Federally funded clean water programs have significant environmental and economic impacts in communities around the country. As we saw recently with the devastating sewage spill in the Potomac River, it is to our detriment if we don’t invest in critical clean water programs and infrastructure. Our coalition of dedicated advocates is eager to tell their stories demonstrating the positive impact of clean water programs in the Chesapeake Bay region.”
At the forefront of asks for legislators is critical funding for EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Program. Two-thirds of Bay Program funding supports on-the-ground projects in the Chesapeake Bay watershed states and the District of Columbia. This support plants trees to improve wildlife habitat, installs conservation practices on farmland, improves oyster and crab populations, and funds other activities that improve local water quality and communities.
At a lunch gathering of the participating advocates and partners, the Coalition honored Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-MD), who is retiring from Congress this year. In appreciation of his significant contributions to the Chesapeake Bay restoration effort throughout his career, Congressman Hoyer was recognized as a “Chesapeake Champion.” Said Reilly, “We’re so grateful for the bipartisan support for clean water and champions like Congressman Hoyer who have led the fight for a restored Chesapeake Bay for many years.”
Last year, the President’s proposed budget maintained level funding for EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Program, but eliminated funding for other federal agencies that administer vital programs. These include water quality monitoring through the U.S. Geological Service, oyster restoration projects through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and increasing public access to our waterways through the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Fortunately, Congress recognized the important work of these agencies and continued their funding.
“Having spent my life near the Chesapeake Bay, I understand how critical it is that we protect the Bay’s delicate ecosystem so that it can be enjoyed by future generations,” said Representative Rob Wittman (R-VA). “Not only is the Bay a national treasure, it’s also an economic engine for the region. I remain committed to working to preserve the Bay and look forward to continuing to collaborate with federal, state, and local partners to advance our shared interest.”
Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) added, “The Chesapeake Bay is a natural treasure and an economic lifeline for our state,” said “That’s why we fought to secure a record $93 million for the EPA Chesapeake Bay Program while protecting other Bay restoration investments against the Trump Administration’s drastic proposed funding cuts. I will keep fighting alongside partners like the Choose Clean Water Coalition for a stronger, healthier Chesapeake Bay.”
The fourteenth annual Choose Clean Water Coalition’s Chesapeake Bay Day on Capitol Hill held 43 meetings with members of Congress. There were also 183 organizations signing letters endorsing the Coalition’s appropriations asks. In addition to meeting with members of Congress, XY members of Congress spoke at the aforementioned luncheon gathering of advocates.
EPA CHESAPEAKE BAY PROGRAM GRANTS – BY STATE (FY2025–$92 million enacted level/$47.6 million Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act)
| Jurisdiction | TOTAL |
|---|---|
| Delaware | $5,021,210 |
| District of Columbia | $3,574,585 |
| Maryland | $19,893,932 |
| New York | $5,891,876 |
| Pennsylvania | $32,595,563 |
| Virginia | $25,585,871 |
| West Virginia | $3,758,417 |
| TOTAL | $96,321,454 |
The Choose Clean Water Coalition, an organization that harnesses the collective power of more than 320 local, state, regional and national groups to advocate for clean rivers and streams in all communities in the Chesapeake region.
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Media Contact:
Drew Robinson
Choose Clean Water Coalition
443-927-8049
RobinsonAQ@nwf.org
