2021 Press Releases

CBF Statement on President Biden’s Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Request

May 28, 2021

President Biden today released a fiscal year 2022 budget request that would boost funding for the federal Chesapeake Bay Program to $90.5 million from its current level of $87.5 million. This $3 million increase, if enacted, would result in full funding for the Program.

CBF Statement on the Passing of Former Senator John W. Warner of Virginia

May 26, 2021

Upon the passing of former Senator John W. Warner of Virginia, CBF President William C. Baker has issued the following statement.

CBF Praises Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Reauthorize NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office and Education Program

May 25, 2021

Reps. John Sarbanes (D-MD), Rob Wittman (R-VA), Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA), and Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) today introduced companion legislation in the House and Senate to reauthorize the Chesapeake Bay Office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and authorize increasing its funding from $17 million in Fiscal Year 2022 to $22.6 million by Fiscal Year 2025.

Blue Crab Survey Results Show ‘Mixed Bag’

May 21, 2021

The Virginia Marine Resources Commission and Maryland Department of Natural Resources released the results of the 2021 Blue Crab Winter Dredge Survey, an annual estimate of the population of blue crabs in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.

CBF Issues Statement on the Billion for the Bay Initiative

May 13, 2021

Chesapeake Bay Foundation President William C. Baker commended the region’s leaders for the Billion for the Bay Initiative proposed in a letter to Congressional leaders today.

CBF Applauds EPA Move to Restore States' Ability to Adopt Tougher Auto Standards

April 26, 2021

CBF applauds EPA’s proposal taking the first step toward restoring states’ authority to adopt tougher clean vehicle standards than the federal government requires in their fight against transportation emissions and climate change.

CBF Applauds Rep. Spanberger's Growing Climate Solutions Act

April 22, 2021

Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) today introduced bipartisan legislation to help farmers, ranchers, and foresters overcome barriers they face when trying to participate in voluntary carbon markets, where they can sell credits they earn for implementing climate-friendly conservation practices.

CBF Responds to the Conviction of Derek Chauvin

April 21, 2021

Clean air, clean water, and a life without fear of violence are rights we all share. We must all continue to raise our voices for racial justice.

CBF Welcomes New Investments in Farm Conservation Programs

April 21, 2021

Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack today announced new investments the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plans to make in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and other programs that help farmers adopt environmentally friendly best management practices that can also mitigate the effects of climate change.

U.S. Secretary of State Blinken Delivers Climate Speech from Chesapeake Bay Foundation Headquarters

April 19, 2021

Today, Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) President Will Baker welcomed U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to CBF’s headquarters in Annapolis. In a speech, Sec. Blinken announced stronger U.S. efforts to mitigate climate change.

Environmental Justice for All Act is a Crucial Step to Empowering Vulnerable Communities

March 19, 2021

House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Raul Grijalva and Rep. Donald McEachin have introduced landmark legislation that would strengthen the ability of communities overburdened by multiple sources of harmful pollution to protect and enforce their rights to good health and a clean, safe environment.

CBF Congratulates Regan on Confirmation as EPA Administrator, Praises His Commitment to Saving the Bay

March 10, 2021

The U.S. Senate confirmed Michael S. Regan as EPA administrator. At his confirmation hearing, Administrator Regan pledged the EPA would be a partner in meeting the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint.

"Do Nothing" Toxic Ozone Rule Challenged by Health and Environmental Groups

February 11, 2021

Today, fourteen health and environmental groups challenged ozone standards in a lawsuit in a federal appeals court. The move comes in response to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Trump administration’s last-minute refusal to strengthen the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone, and less than a month after Earthjustice sued the EPA over a similar rule affecting particulate matter.

After Major Striped Bass Decline, ASMFC Opens Fishery Plan to Comment

February 3, 2021

In another step towards rebuilding the striped bass population, an Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) panel will open the Public Information Document for Amendment 7 for public comment.

CBF Welcomes Court Rebuke of Trump EPA "Secret Science" Rule

February 1, 2021

A federal court today threw out the Trump EPA’s rule limiting the agency’s access to the best available science.

CBF President Will Baker to Retire

January 22, 2021

CBF President William C. Baker and the Board of Trustees today discussed succession planning for Baker’s retirement at the end this year.

CBF Applauds Biden Administration's Promising Start

January 20, 2021

CBF is thrilled the Biden administration has hit the ground running to reverse its predecessors’ dismal record of sidelining science, ignoring public health, and issuing flawed rules that undermine the intent of our nation’s bedrock environmental laws and the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint.

CBF Praises DC Circuit Decision to Vacate Trump EPA's Affordable Clean Energy Rule

January 19, 2021

Today’s decision overturns the ACE rule, which contains the repeal of the Clean Power Plan, and directs EPA to write a new rule to regulate GHG emission from power plants.

CBF Sues EPA for Failing to Protect Watershed Residents and the Bay from Particulate Pollution

January 19, 2021

CBF and environmental and public health partners today sued EPA for refusing to strengthen air quality limits for small, airborne particles (known as particulate matter).

Groups File Brief with D.C. Circuit Opposing Trump Administration’s “Indefensible” Clean Cars Rollback

January 14, 2021

CBF and several of the nation’s largest public health, consumer and environmental groups today presented the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia with a detailed and substantial case showing why the Trump administration’s rollback of the Clean Car Standards is unlawful.

CBF's 2020 State of the Bay Score Down Slightly

January 5, 2021

This year, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation's assessment of the State of the Bay remained at a D+, but declined by one point from 2018. While concerning, the decline is largely due to ineffective management of the Bay's striped bass population, as opposed to water quality concerns.

CBF Slams New Rule Limiting EPA Access to Sound Science

January 5, 2021

EPA finalized a rule today that hamstrings the agency’s ability to use all available sound science in its work, including setting and revising standards essential to restoring the Chesapeake Bay and its waterways.

CBF Statement on 2021 Maryland Oyster Stock Assessment Update

June 9, 2021

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) presented preliminary information Tuesday evening from the 2021 oyster stock assessment update indicating the market-size oyster population in Maryland rose slightly, while spat estimates increased to the highest level in the previous 20 years.

CBF Commends Officials on Formal Kickoff for Baltimore Headworks Project

May 10, 2021

Today, Baltimore and Maryland officials held a formal ribbon-cutting to celebrate the completion of the Headworks Project, a $429 million upgrade to the city’s Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant that’s designed to prevent sewer overflows.

CBF Statement on EPA’s Evaluation of the Conowingo Watershed Implementation Plan

May 6, 2021

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Director of Science and Agricultural Policy, Beth McGee, issued this statement following the release of EPA’s comments on how the additional pollution to the Chesapeake Bay from the lost trapping capacity at Conowingo Dam should be addressed.

CBF Statement on Climate Solutions Now Act and the End of Maryland’s 2021 General Assembly Session

April 13, 2021

The Maryland Senate and House of Delegates were unable to reach an agreement over the two different versions of the Climate Solutions Now Act that each chamber had passed earlier this session. However, some of the legislation’s components were added to other bills that were approved.

Maryland Environmental Groups File Notice of Potential Lawsuit Against Valley Proteins for Pollution Violations

April 13, 2021

Maryland environmental groups sent a notice of intent to bring a lawsuit against Valley Proteins for violating its wastewater permit. The goal of this action is to bring Valley Proteins into compliance and protect water quality, the environment, and public health.

CBF Statement on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's Decision to Relicense Conowingo Dam

March 18, 2021

Today, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved the relicensing of the Conowingo Hydroelectric Project, effectively ratifying Maryland’s settlement offer with Exelon to enable the utility to continue operating Conowingo Dam. The settlement fails to adequately address water pollution issues associated with the dam’s operations.

CBF Encouraged by Maryland Senate's Approval
of Climate Solutions Now Act

March 12, 2021

Today the Maryland Senate passed a bill requiring the state to reduce 60 percent of its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and puts in place concrete actions to guide the state to this goal.

CBF: New Maryland Court Ruling Should Prompt Action to Reduce Poultry-Related Air Pollution

March 12, 2021

On Thursday, Montgomery County Circuit Court Judge Sharon Burrell ruled that the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) must regulate ammonia air emissions from large chicken farms.

CBF Statement from President Will Baker on Being Honored by Maryland Senate

February 26, 2021

CBF President Will Baker, who announced in January that he plans to retire at the end of the year, issued this statement in response to the Maryland Senate resolution marking his retirement.

CBF Urges Maryland Legislators to Restore Funding for Outdoor Education

February 22, 2021

CBF is asking Maryland legislators to restore funding for outdoor education programs that Gov. Larry Hogan zeroed out for the second straight year.

CBF Adds 14 Million Oysters to Chesapeake Bay in Maryland in 2020

February 11, 2021

CBF continued its long-term push to restore oyster reefs in the Chesapeake Bay by adding more than 14 million oysters in Maryland waters during 2020’s pandemic-affected season.

CBF Files Lawsuit Contesting Wastewater Permit for Major Proposed Eastern Shore Development

February 1, 2021

Today CBF filed a lawsuit against the Maryland Department of the Environment contesting the legality of the wastewater discharge permit it issued for Trappe at Lakeside, a major development proposed on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

CBF Urges Legislators to Approve Climate Solutions Now Act

January 27, 2021

CBF is urging Maryland legislators to support a bill that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enable the state to plant millions of trees.

CBF Statement on the Passing of Longtime Maryland Senate President Mike Miller

January 15, 2021

"The ongoing restoration of the Chesapeake Bay wouldn’t have been possible without a leader like Sen. Miller. He loved history, and he loved the Bay.”

Josh Kurtz Named Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Maryland Executive Director

January 12, 2021

In his new role, Kurtz will lead CBF staff in Annapolis and Easton as they work on policies and legislation aimed at helping Maryland reach its 2025 Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint pollution reduction goals.

Report on Economic Impact of Agriculture in Pennsylvania Reinforces Call for Greater Investments in the Industry

April 30, 2021

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation issued a statement by Pennsylvania Executive Director Shannon Gority following release of a new report on the economic impact of agriculture in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania's Proposed Budget Does Little to Address Chronic Underfunding for Clean Water

February 4, 2021

Unfortunately, Governor Tom Wolf’s $37.8 billion General Fund budget proposal for fiscal year 2021-22 does little to help the Commonwealth change course from being significantly behind in meeting its clean water goals.

Clean the Bay Day Prevents 52,306 Pounds of Litter to Virginia Waterways in 2021

June 11, 2021

More than 2,000 volunteers across Virginia picked up 52,306 pounds of litter as part of Clean the Bay Day in 2021, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s (CBF) annual longstanding litter cleanup.

CBF Statement on Gov. Northam Directive to Reduce Polluted Runoff from State Lands

June 3, 2021

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam issued a new executive directive setting targets for significantly reducing polluted runoff from lands owned by state agencies and public educational institutions.

Newly Open Classroom Redefines School in Chesapeake Bay Foundation-Virginia Beach City Public Schools Effort

May 20, 2021

A cutting-edge new classroom launched this spring is reinventing learning in a partnership between the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and Virginia Beach Public Schools at CBF’s Brock Environmental Center.

Clean the Bay Day Returns the First Week of June after COVID Cancellation in 2020

May 3, 2021

Clean the Bay Day, Virginia’s long-running annual litter cleanup, is coming back in a new way the first week of June after being cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19. Last year was the first time the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Virginia tradition missed a year since the event began in 1989.

Southside Virginia Pipeline Compressor Station Raises Environmental Justice Concerns

April 27, 2021

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is raising environmental justice and pollution concerns about a proposed compressor station in Pittsylvania County for the Mountain Valley Pipeline. The Lambert Compressor Station, an industrial facility planned to pump gas through the pipeline, would be built within five miles of four environmental justice communities with strong African American and American Indian roots.

Virginia DEQ Announces New Environmental Justice Director

April 23, 2021

CBF is encouraged by the announcement of an environmental justice director at DEQ and hopes it will prove a significant step forward in ensuring that Virginia’s communities have a meaningful voice in environmental decisions that could affect them.

Delegate Lopez Earns CBF’s Virginia Legislator of the Year

April 20, 2021

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) this week presented Delegate Alfonso Lopez (D-Arlington and Fairfax) with a Virginia Legislator of the Year award for his work to achieve a healthy Chesapeake Bay and reduce pollution to Virginia’s rivers and streams.

Virginia to Phase Out Single-Use Plastics in State Government

March 23, 2021

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam today released an executive order requiring the phase-out of single-use plastics by state government agencies, including all state universities and colleges.

Historic Budget for Clean Water Programs Passes Virginia General Assembly

March 1, 2021

Approving historically strong levels of investment in clean water programs, the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates this weekend passed final budget amendments for the upcoming second year of the biennial budget.

Virginia Bans on Balloon Releases and Polystyrene Are Environmental Wins

February 23, 2021

The Virginia General Assembly passed legislation prohibiting the outdoor release of nonbiodegradable balloons and separate legislation requiring food vendors to phase out their use of polystyrene takeout containers will greatly enhance Virginia’s efforts to prevent litter from polluting waterways.

Norfolk Artist's Work Inspired by Chesapeake Bay Foundation Oyster Restoration

February 11, 2021

A new exhibition at the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art displays striking collages by Norfolk artist Andy Harris inspired by CBF's oyster restoration efforts and exploring the connection between food and art.

Virginia House and Senate Release Budgets for Clean Water Programs

February 10, 2021

The Virginia Senate and House of Delegates today formally proposed separate amendments for the upcoming second year of the biennial budget. The budget proposals include investment in key programs that benefit Virginia’s rivers, streams, and the Chesapeake Bay.

Acclaimed Virginia Naturalist, Educator, and Photographer Bill Portlock Retires

January 21, 2021

Following a five-decade career advancing environmental education in Virginia and producing stunning nature photography, Bill Portlock retired earlier this month as Senior Educator for CBF.

Key Virginia Environment Bill Could Expand Tree Planting and Preservation

January 20, 2021

Legislation to allow Virginia counties and cities to better use trees to address flooding, reduce polluted runoff, and take steps to address the “heat island” effect, which is part of the legacy of past discriminatory lending practices, is expected to be heard in key House and Senate committees in the coming days.