Chesapeake Bay
“A healthy Chesapeake Bay means healthy air, water and lands, and a healthy economy, for the people of Maryland and the region.”
A national treasure, the Chesapeake Bay is America’s largest estuary, an incredibly diverse and productive ecosystem, and the heart of Maryland’s economy and culture. Since arriving in Congress, I have made protecting and improving the health of the Bay a high priority. As a senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, I am working to ensure that our bedrock environmental laws are protected and emerging threats to clean, safe water and healthy air are addressed.
I fought hard for WRDA provisions related to specific river basins, watersheds and coastal areas and increases for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Chesapeake Bay Oyster Recovery Program in Maryland and Virginia from $60 million to $100 million. Housed within the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Chesapeake Bay Program governs restoration activities in partnership with states and stakeholders. Achieving our goals for clean water, abundant wildlife, conserved lands, public access, and a diversity of engaged communities means a stronger regional economy and better health for Marylanders.
