Hoyer, Maryland Congressional Delegation Hold Meeting to Discuss Protecting the Chesapeake Bay
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) and Members of Maryland’s Congressional Delegation met to discuss continued federal efforts to support Bay restoration and the goals of the revised “Beyond 2025” watershed agreement. The lawmakers were joined by Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz; Maryland Department of Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain; Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks; State Senator Sara Love, Chair of the Chesapeake Bay Commission; Anna Killius, Executive Director of the Chesapeake Bay Commission; and Hilary Falk of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
In the meeting, members of the federal delegation discussed the health of Chesapeake Bay, how the revised watershed agreement will allow for reaching Bay restoration goals, and the importance of continued federal partnership with states. Members heard from panelists about the importance of continued federal funding for the EPA Chesapeake Bay Program as well as for the other programs across the federal government that support Bay restoration and provide the technical and scientific information needed for efficient investment of public resources.
“The Chesapeake Bay is the beating heart of Maryland. It is central to our state not only geographically but also economically and culturally. That's why Team Maryland has worked so hard to protect the Bay. Our delegation had a meaningful discussion about how we can best advance that mission in Congress in the years to come,” said Congressman Steny Hoyer.
“The Chesapeake Bay is an economic and environmental lifeline in our state. Over the past few years, we’ve made progress in our efforts to preserve the Bay, but we’ve also faced setbacks – including in the failure to meet the goals of the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement. Today’s meeting was an opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities ahead, including the new Beyond 2025 Agreement. I’m encouraged that the latest agreement includes recommendations proposed by members of our delegation and other Bay state representatives in Congress, including ensuring that pollution-reduction and water-quality improvement goals are better defined and adaptable to the latest science. And while I believe the agreement could have set a more aggressive timeline for achieving the outlined goals, I recognize that it reflects compromise. Going forward, we will continue working together to support the full implementation of the agreement and these commitments to make meaningful progress towards a stronger, healthier Chesapeake Bay,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).
“The Chesapeake Bay is the heart of Maryland. For that reason, the final Beyond 2025 must be comprehensive and include clear, ambitious, and achievable targets. Team Maryland is committed to doing all we can to conserve and restore our Bay as it is one of our state’s key economic drivers – supporting the tourism industry, our watermen, farmers, and access to clean drinking water. I will continue to fight for strong federal funding for Chesapeake Bay programs. Together, we will meet our restoration goals, and our state will continue to benefit from our bay,” said Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD).
“I was glad to meet with the relevant stakeholders and learn more about their efforts to protect the health of the Chesapeake Bay," said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. "As a steadfast supporter of environmental conservation, preserving the Bay's vitality is critically important to all of us. I look forward to continuing these discussions and fighting to safeguard our precious natural resources,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07).
“The Chesapeake Bay is a treasured natural resource and a cornerstone of our local environmental and economic ecosystem,” said Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08). “Team Maryland will work to ensure the Trump Administration honors the watershed agreement which is essential to sustaining our progress in restoring these precious waters.”
“The Chesapeake Bay is one of Maryland’s greatest environmental and economic treasures, a living symbol of our natural beauty and maritime heritage. The Maryland Federal Delegation and I are fighting to uphold the protections and restoration goals set out in the Chesapeake Watershed Agreement and the Beyond 2025 Agreement. We will not allow polluters or poachers to treat the nation’s largest estuary as their private dump or domain. The Bay belongs to all Marylanders, and its future depends on clean water and sustainable, resilient fisheries. My team and I will keep pushing to ensure Maryland families can enjoy this irreplaceable treasure for generations to come,” said Congressman Glenn Ivey (MD-04).
“Having dedicated the majority of my career to preserving the Chesapeake Bay, I know the hours of tireless negotiation and deliberation that went into this Bay Agreement to guide the next decade of collaboration. I’m grateful to Secretary Kurtz, Secretary Atticks, Secretary McIllwain, the Chesapeake Bay Commission, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and the EPA Chesapeake Bay Program for their continued commitment. The Bay is the cornerstone of our state’s economy and culture, and together, we are moving the ball forward to improve water quality, combat pollution, protect against invasive species, and ultimately make sure future generations can enjoy the Bay for years to come,” said Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03).
“The Chesapeake Bay is a lifeline to communities across Maryland — a symbol of our state's natural beauty and a cornerstone of commerce. I’m grateful to my colleagues in Congress and our partners across the Chesapeake region for their shared commitment to restoring the Bay and advancing the new watershed agreement. Further, it is vital that we retain federal funding for the data collection, research, and innovation that underpin this work for our state. Together, we’re building a healthier, more resilient Chesapeake Bay for generations to come,” said Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (MD-06).
“The Chesapeake Bay is an invaluable treasure for our region — protecting it means safeguarding our jobs, our health, and our future. I’m proud to join the Maryland Congressional delegation in supporting efforts to restore and protect the Bay so it remains strong for generations to come,” said Congressman Johnny Olszewski (MD-02).