Senate Passes Bipartisan Bill to Extend Important Bay Restoration Programs

The Senate passed bipartisan conservation legislation last night that includes provisions to extend the life of important Bay restoration programs another five years. The bill cleared the chamber by voice vote. 

The America’s Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Reauthorization Act also recommends funding levels through fiscal year 2030 for the EPA Chesapeake Bay Program, the Fish and Wildlife Service’s Chesapeake Watershed Investments for Landscape Defense (WILD) grant program, and the National Park Service’s Chesapeake Gateways and Watertrails Network and grants program. 

The measure would also renew the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), which administers the Bay Program’s three grant programs and Chesapeake WILD grants, and the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, which awards wetlands restoration grants nationwide. 

Introduced in February by Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-DE) and Ranking Member Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.), the ACE reauthorization package cleared the committee in March. Co-sponsors include senior committee member Sen. Ben Cardin, and Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.). 

House Chesapeake Bay Task Force Co-Chairs Reps. Rob Wittman (R-Va.), Bobby Scott (D-Va.), and John Sarbanes (D-Md.) introduced a trio of companion bills in March. 

Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) Federal Director Keisha Sedlacek issued the following statement: 

“As we move into the next chapter of Chesapeake Bay watershed restoration, our partners at EPA, the Fish and Wildlife Service, and the National Park Service must have the tools and resources to meet the coming challenges. CBF is delighted to see the Senate provide them by passing the bipartisan America’s Conservation Enhancement Reauthorization Act.

“We congratulate Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.) and Ranking Member Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.) for completing work on the bill so quickly. CBF urges House leaders to keep the momentum going by acting swiftly to pass this important legislation.”