Clean Water Advocacy: December 2022 Update

american woodcock-Foxman FlickrCC-1171x592

An American woodcock forages through the snow.

Foxman (Flickr CC)

Though a slower season for advocacy, the past three months saw some important developments on clean water issues across the watershed

The final quarter of the calendar year is often slow in terms of advocacy as legislative bodies are either grappling with election results or tackling only the bare essentials before the end of the year. That said, there have been important developments on critical clean water issues across the watershed in the last few months. Here’s a quick look:

First Round of Chesapeake WILD Grants is Announced

While Chesapeake WILD was established in October 2020, its first round of matching grants was awarded just this passed October. One such grant was awarded to CBF to continue freshwater mussel restoration in Virginia. As you may remember, the WILD program supports locally led initiatives to conserve and restore fish and wildlife habitats, enhance climate resilience, increase public access, partner with historically unserved communities, and improve water quality across the watershed.

This is all because advocates like you urged Congress to invest in our environment and habitat restoration. The establishment of this program and its initial funding is a victory we share with you.

Additionally, the $1.7 trillion budget for fiscal year 2023 that is awaiting President Biden’s signature includes $8 million in funding for Chesapeake WILD. That represents an increase of $4 million over its fiscal year 2022 budget of $4 million.

Putting a Stop to a Bad Permit in Maryland

CBF scientists are concerned about a groundwater discharge permit renewal on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. The permit would enable the Town of Hurlock’s wastewater treatment plant to continue spraying 725,000 gallons of treated wastewater per day onto farm fields puts water quality and wildlife at risk.

The treated wastewater is sprayed onto fields near Marshyhope Creek, Maryland’s only identified spawning habitat for endangered Atlantic sturgeon.

This deficient permit deserves much greater scrutiny. It relies on old studies, unreliable information, and a loophole to bypass Bay cleanup requirements. It puts water quality and endangered Atlantic sturgeon at risk. Advocates on Maryland’s Eastern Shore have joined CBF in urging MDE to deny the permit and instead focus on ensuring the existing Hurlock Wastewater Treatment Plant meets current discharge permit conditions.

We will continue to monitor the permit approval process.

Groundbreaking Greenhouse Gas-Reduction Program at Risk in Virginia

In early December, the Virginia Air Pollution Control Board approved a proposal that could end the state’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). By ending participation in RGGI, Virginia would lose a key tool for reducing air pollution from power plants, which contributes to pollution to the Bay. RGGI also provides the only dedicated revenue in Virginia for protecting communities from flooding.

RGGI’s benefits in Virginia—reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions while funding flood protection projects—are a triple win, yet still many of the state’s leaders are currently engaged in a multi-year process to end its participation in RGGI. CBF is following the process closely. We’ll continue to urge Virginia’s leaders to support a healthy Bay while protecting Virginians from flooding through our participation in RGGI. And we’ll need you with us along the way. Stay tuned for updates.

Celebrating 2022 Advocacy Wins and Looking Ahead to 2023

This year, thousands of our advocates took more than 28,000 actions for clean water at the local, state, and federal levels. While there were both wins and losses throughout the year, we wanted to celebrate some of the major wins that were accomplished thanks to you, our dedicated Bay advocates.

It is hard to believe, but January is just around the corner and legislative sessions will be kicking off at all levels across the watershed. As always, we’ll be looking to you, our dedicated advocates, to raise your voices on critical clean water issues next year. Stay tuned to our blog for more updates on what we’ll be advocating for in 2023.

Kirsten-Hower-Headshot_90x110

Kirsten Hower

Digital Advocacy and Outreach Manager, CBF


Issues in this Post

Chesapeake Wildlife   Climate Change   Runoff Pollution  




Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed in the media or articles on this site are those of the speakers or authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions held by CBF and the inclusion of such information does not imply endorsement by CBF. CBF is not responsible for the contents of any linked Website, or any link contained in a linked Website, or any changes or updates to such Websites. The inclusion of any link is provided only for information purposes.


The Bay Needs You

The State of the Bay Report makes it clear that the Bay needs our support now more than ever. Your donation helps the Chesapeake Bay Foundation maintain our momentum toward a restored Bay, rivers, and streams for today and generations to come.

Donate Today

Volunteer

Do you enjoy working with others to help clean the Chesapeake Bay? Do you have a few hours to spare? Whether growing oysters, planting trees, or advocating for a clean Bay, there are plenty of ways you can contribute.

Volunteer
x
This website uses cookies to tailor and enhance your online experience. By continuing, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. For more information, including details on how to disable cookies, please visit our Privacy Policy. Close