Press Release

Implementation now depends on sustained environmental funding in the state’s budget

In an exciting step for Maryland water quality, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced the five watershed projects that’ll be implemented as part of the Whole Watershed Act. This is a five-year pilot program that will restore targeted rivers and streams of various geographies, levels of impairment, and uses. The selected projects include: Antietam Creek in Washington County, the Baltimore Harbor, Newport Bay in Worcester County, the Severn River near Annapolis, and the Upper Choptank River on the Eastern Shore. 

The Whole Watershed Act, which passed in the 2024 General Assembly, will implement innovative, science-based approaches to waterway restoration. The program is a direct response to the 2023 Comprehensive Evaluation of System Response (CESR) report—an evaluation of water quality progress for the Chesapeake Bay—which recommended targeting restoration in key watersheds to accelerate water quality, habitat, and living resource benefits, particularly in shallow water areas like creeks and streams.  

Project proposals had to demonstrate strong community and local government support, and had to address non-point source pollution. Concepts range from planting trees on farms, to protecting shorelines from erosion, and restoring underwater grasses and oyster beds. Selected watersheds will benefit from technical assistance, funding, and a coordinated permitting process that will help implement the projects over the five-year pilot program. 

However, funding for this program is currently at risk as legislators work to address the state’s $3 billion budget deficit. The Department of Legislative Services recommended a sweeping, four-year cut to environmental programs, which could effectively halt implementation of the Act and other Chesapeake Bay restoration projects. 

Allison Colden, Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Maryland Executive Director, issued the following statement: 

“This announcement is an exciting step toward fully restoring these five watersheds, which will have incredible water quality benefits for Marylanders and the Chesapeake Bay. Accelerating the pace of restoration in a data-driven way that achieves multiple outcomes – from climate mitigation, improved air and water quality, to vibrant fisheries – is key to Maryland achieving its Bay restoration, climate, and economic goals.  

“However, these exciting plans are somewhat tempered by looming recommendations to cut funding for environmental programs that would fund implementation of the Whole Watershed Act. We urge the Maryland General Assembly to resist environmental budget cuts so that the Whole Watershed Act’s strategic, science-driven solutions can be implemented, and the resulting water quality benefits can be enjoyed by all.” 

(HARRISBURG)—The Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership (K10) plans to add nearly 200,000 new trees to Pennsylvania this year, approaching a lofty goal of 10 million new trees planted by the end of 2025.

With over 320 partners, the collaborative effort coordinated by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF), has amassed over 8.2 million new trees in Pennsylvania’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay watershed since it launched in spring of 2018. Last year alone, partners planted 468,467 trees.

“Having planted 8.2 million trees as of last fall is a very good sign we’re closing in on 10 million,” Partnership Manager Marley McKind said. “I am so thankful for all the hard work of our partners and growers alongside the K10 team. We couldn’t have gotten to 8.2 million without them.” 

The effort reached its midway, 5-millionth tree milestone in fall of 2022.

This spring, CBF plans to directly fund and distribute roughly 90,000 trees, and critical tree sheltering supplies, with an additional 100,000 planned for the fall planting season. Trees will be coming from nurseries in Lancaster County and northern Maryland.

A $75,000 tree survival grant from the Foxwynd Foundation, of Chester County, will allow trees planted along streams by partners to live longer, grow stronger, and have a better chance to clean and protect local waters.

Funding from Foxwynd will be used this spring for maintenance, supplies, and logistical support. Partners are applying now for $30,000 in maintenance grants that will be announced in April, the same time trees will be distributed for planting.

The partnership continues to place special emphasis on plantings in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Adding trees in those counties is critical because of the amount of nitrogen pollution generated and to improve local stream health and reverse the overall loss of trees.

CBF reflects on the resilience and determination of the partnership as it nears its goal.

“This campaign ran through a pandemic and just kept going,” McKind said. “The fact that funders continued to provide grants, partners remained dedicated to the program, and the enthusiasm of volunteers to plant trees never waned shows the spirit and passion for this work.”

Trees are the most cost-effective tools for cleaning and protecting waterways. Trees filter and absorb polluted runoff, stabilize streambanks, and improve soil quality. Trees also help address climate change by cooling the air and sequestering carbon.

To learn more about the Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership visit www.TenMillionTrees.org.        

Chesapeake Bay Foundation Applauds Strides for Clean Water, Outdoor Learning, Public Health

Update: On March 24, Governor Youngkin cut $500,000 in environmental literacy funding from the state budget that had been approved by legislators. For more information, see CBF’s press statement.

Though it was a short legislative session, Virginia lawmakers secured significant victories this month for climate adaptation, conservation, and cleaner water—all helping lead to healthier communities and a stronger economy.  

This session marked wins for the state’s wetlands, outdoor learning for students, stronger safeguards against disastrous weather, and protecting Virginia’s trees.  

But there’s still more work to be done when it comes to the Chesapeake Bay’s most important fish known as menhaden, funding living shorelines, studying microplastics in our drinking water, and protecting homes and businesses from extreme storms.  

CBF backed the following bills and budget measures passed by lawmakers, which will now head to Governor Youngkin to consider signing into law:  

Protecting Virginians from Flooding and Extreme Weather 

• HB 2034 introduced by Delegate Shelly Simonds: This bill establishes a taskforce to protect the state’s existing tidal and nontidal wetlands, which are natural water filterers and sponges. The Supreme Court’s 2023 decision in Sackett v. EPA stripped federal protections from many wetlands nationwide, making Virginia’s existing regulations even more essential.  
• HB 2630 introduced by Delegate Rodney Willett and HB 2638 introduced by Delegate Patrick Hope: These bills are especially important as the state continues to lose tree canopy at an alarming rate. Another natural sponge that cools our neighborhoods and reduces our energy use, trees would be easier to preserve and replace under these two bills that answer calls to expand localities’ ability to conserve tree canopy.  
• HB 2077 introduced by Delegate Paul Krizek: This bill allows federally-recognized tribal governments access to Community Flood Preparedness funding.  
• HJ 434 introduced by Delegate Michael Feggans and HJ 437 introduced by Delegate Kelly Convirs-Fowler: HJ434 directs studies on how state and localities would fund Coastal Storm Risk Management (CSRM) plans. HJ437 reestablishes the Joint Subcommittee of Recurrent Flooding.  
• $50 million to provide climate resilience funding. With the need for proactive flood prevention at an all-time high, lawmakers slotted these monies to the Community Flood Preparedness Fund (CFPF), which provides vital grants to localities across the state—from Winchester to Hampton, Danville to Fairfax.  

Protecting and Restoring Key Species  

• CBF is encouraged to see $250,000 in the state budget to reduce the predatory pressure of the invasive blue catfish in Virginia’s waters on native species like menhaden, striped bass, shad, and blue crabs. These funds will help increase processing capacity of blue catfish so we can get more of them out of the waters and onto people’s plates.  
• CBF is deeply disappointed that Omega Protein once again stood in the way of science to thwart good faith efforts to study the health of the Chesapeake Bay’s menhaden population.  

Solar Projects: Durable Future for Clean Energy  

• To achieve established clean energy goals without unduly compromising farmland or forests, CBF supported legislation to create a state advisory body for localities considering utility-scale solar projects. The legislation also required a regional energy plan. CBF is disappointed this measure did not advance, and remains committed to supporting localities seeking utility-scale solar projects.   

Reducing Pollution in Waterways 

• $40 million in the proposed state budget for the Stormwater Local Assistance Fund (SLAF) to help cities and counties reduce polluted runoff from urban and suburban lands. SLAF provides matching grants to localities for projects such as wetland construction, living shoreline installation, and stream restoration work. 
• $31 million to fully fund wastewater treatment plant upgrades and $26 million for the Virginia Agricultural Cost-Share program: Practices like fencing cattle out of streams, planting streamside trees and grasses, and many others are the most cost-effective steps Virginia can take to restore the Bay and local streams. 

Advancing Environmental Education 

• The budget includes an investment of $500,000 to support the statewide competitive environmental education experiences grant program. This ensures that Virginia’s youth meet state education standards and stay on par with neighboring states. The state’s current investments of just 30 cents per student in environmental education lags significantly behind neighboring states, falling 89.2% below Maryland ($2.78 per student) and 48.3% less than Pennsylvania (58 cents per student). 

CBF Virginia Policy Manager Jay Ford released the following statement:  

“This General Assembly session delivered some significant wins for Virginia’s environment and our communities. Lawmakers prioritized wetlands protection, expanded local authority to preserve vital tree canopy, and secured critical funding for flood preparedness and stormwater management. These victories will bolster our resilience to climate change, protect clean water, and create a healthier Commonwealth. 

“Investments in reducing the impact of invasive blue catfish will help control this threat to the Bay’s blue crab population and other native species. However, Omega Protein’s continued resistance to a science-based menhaden study is deeply concerning. This crucial fish is essential for the Bay’s overall health, and we urge lawmakers to prioritize this in future sessions. 

“While solar siting legislation did not advance, we will continue to advocate for responsible clean energy development. Protecting our homes and businesses from increasingly severe storms remains a top priority, so we must address the urgent need for living shoreline funding and further explore the impacts of microplastics in our drinking water.” 

Further cuts could jeopardize ongoing investments in local economies and undermine progress in Chesapeake Bay cleanup

In an already contentious budget year for the Maryland General Assembly, the Department of Legislative Services (DLS) has made an alarming recommendation to steeply cut funding for programs that improve water quality and protect the Chesapeake Bay. If adopted, DLS’s recommendations would cut environmental programming more than 42 percent, effectively halting progress for Bay restoration. These dollars go directly to farmers, watermen, homeowners, and restoration practitioners who are on the ground improving Maryland’s waterways. 

This week, the House and Senate will consider how to address the state’s $3 billion deficit during hearings on the 2025 Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act (HB 352/SB 321). The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF), its advocates, and partners urge legislators to support Governor Wes Moore’s proposed budget and resist additional funding cuts for critical programs that support Maryland’s water quality, health, jobs, and ways of life.

“Investments in clean water and air are investments in Marylanders,” said Allison Colden, CBF Maryland Executive Director. “These programs are not just good for the Bay but support jobs, improve people’s health, and make strong financial sense.”

The state agencies that help protect the Bay—Departments of the Environment (MDE), Natural Resources (DNR), and Agriculture (MDA) as well as the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) have a combined proposed budget of $1.046 billion in FY 26 and are slated to collectively contribute well over $255.4 million to deficit reduction in the Governor’s budget plan through a combination of cuts, fund swaps, and other reductions.

Governor Moore’s preliminary budget already included reasonable one-time adjustments to Bay programs. However, DLS has recommended diverting an additional $180 million annually for the next four years from environmental programs including:

• Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays 2010 Trust Fund, which supports farmers installing practices that reduce pollution into local waterways; 
• Program Open Space, which protects Maryland lands and forests and provides local governments with funds to improve recreational amenities. 
• Clean Water Commerce program, which compensates businesses that reduce pollution and promote climate resiliency; 
• Waterways Improvement Fund, which addresses shoreline erosion, abandoned vessels, and marine sewage pump out programs that protect Bay water quality. 

“Protecting the Chesapeake Bay’s health is of paramount importance,” said Johnny Shockley, founder of Blue Oyster Environmental oyster aquaculture company. “We have made significant progress, and it is crucial that we continue to safeguard our state’s future by maintaining funding for vital programs such as the Clean Water Commerce.”

“Program Open Space isn’t a slush fund for budget shortfalls—it’s a commitment to Maryland’s communities, parks, and future,” said Kevin Kinnally, Legislative Director, Maryland Association of Counties (MACo). “Diverting these dedicated funds breaks that promise, undermines decades of conservation progress, and forces counties to fill the gap. This is not belt-tightening—it’s a raid on local investments that support economic growth, environmental resilience, and quality of life. Maryland must keep its commitment to communities and protect funding for open space preservation.”

Further cuts to these programs would significantly hinder the state’s ability to deliver on commitments to improve water quality and habitats, and would risk backsliding on natural resource investments that are the backbone of Maryland’s economy.

Maryland’s seafood industry contributes nearly $600 million to the state’s economy annually. Every acre of oyster reef restored provides more than $40,000 annually in non-harvest benefit, and robust recreation, hunting and fishing opportunities result in nearly $20 billion in economic impacts annually. Additionally, fully funding farm pollution-reduction programs would inject $655 million annually into the region’s economy. 

“Now, more than ever, Maryland cannot afford to abandon its leadership role in the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay. The Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund is a catalyst for environmental restoration and local economies across our state,” said Matt Johnston, Executive Director of Arundel Rivers Federation. “Grant dollars provided by this fund are sent right back into our communities by organizations like Arundel Rivers who use these grants to employ engineers, construction workers, truck drivers, landscape professionals, and so many other local laborers to deliver projects that reduce local pollution and create more resilient communities.” 

“Over the past several years, ShoreRivers has been the grateful recipient of funding from a number of state programs, including the Clean Water Commerce Account, the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund, and the Tree Solutions Now Act of 2021,” said Timothy Rosen, Director of Agriculture & Restoration at ShoreRivers. “But it hasn’t been our organization that has benefitted the most from that funding—the majority has been passed on to local Maryland businesses to install and maintain restoration projects on our Eastern Shore farm fields and in our local communities.”  

“According to a recent report on the economic impact of conservation on the Delmarva peninsula [compiled by the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy and Delmarva Resource Conservation Network], investment in restoration and conservation directly gives back to Maryland by supporting almost 140 jobs over the lifetime of a single project, with every $1 million invested returning $1.8 million back to the state through local economic output. While we recognize the considerable task our legislators are facing this session, this crucial funding has created jobs and a restoration economy that helps us achieve clean water goals, keeps Marylanders employed, and supports a robust and vibrant rural economy,” added Rosen. 

CBF urges members of the General Assembly to reject DLS’s recommendation and resist further environmental budget cuts that would result in long-term harm to Maryland’s waterways, economies, and people. 

To help protect water quality across the Chesapeake Bay region, Alan Girard, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF)’s Maryland Advocacy Director, was elected this year’s Chair of the Delmarva Land and Litter Collaborative (DLLC). 

Chicken farming has been an essential part of the Delmarva Peninsula’s culture for 100 years. While chicken litter is a valuable fertilizer for crops, it can lead to harmful pollution if not well managed. Agriculture is one of the leading sources of nutrient and sediment pollution entering local waterways and the Chesapeake Bay. 

DLLC was founded to help address these issues with a collaborative group of diverse stakeholders. Committee members include chicken companies, farmers, agencies, academics, and environmental groups. Each year, the DLLC Chair changes hands between an agriculture and environmental representative.  

In his role as Chair, Girard will help ensure the region’s agricultural and poultry operations remain productive, while also protecting water quality and communities. One of the Committee’s top priorities this year is to better understand why Delmarva waterways lag behind other Bay tributaries in reducing nutrient pollution. 

Alan Girard, CBF Maryland Advocacy Director and DLLC Chair, issued the following statement: 

“The Delmarva Land and Litter Collaborative’s goal is clear—productive farms, clean water, and thriving ecosystems. However, the solutions are complex, and collaboration and partnerships with the agricultural and environmental communities are critical. As DLLC Chair, I’m eager to continue nurturing those key relationships and progressing towards our shared goals together.” 

Despite mounting troubling signs about the health of the Chesapeake Bay’s menhaden population, this legislative session Virginia lawmakers failed to approve three separate efforts to fund a study intended to answer long-standing questions about the Bay’s menhaden. 

The Commonwealth’s long wait for the necessary science into the Commonwealth’s largest fishery and most important fish in the Bay persists. 

Atlantic menhaden are the target of Virginia’s largest commercial fishery, run by a company called Omega Protein, and its affiliates. Typically turned into fishmeal and fish oil products in a process known as “reduction fishing,” the small schooling fish also are a key food for iconic predators like striped bass, bluefish, and ospreys. All other states have banned the practice of reduction fishing.  

After thousands of menhaden and gamefish washed up on Virginia shores during high-profile fish spills by Omega Protein, the General Assembly passed legislation in 2023 requiring plans for studying menhaden populations in Virginia waters. This was backed by Omega Protein. But in early 2024, Virginia lawmakers failed to pass a bill that would have funded this necessary research.   

This year, Delegate Paul Milde spearheaded one effort for the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) to complete the $3 million three-year study of the ecology, fishery impacts, and economic importance of the menhaden population in Virginia. That House Bill 2713 and the accompanying budget amendment Item 148 #4h failed to advance from the House. 

Another effort by Delegate Betsy Carr slotted the first year of funding for the study in the state budget to VIMS, but this measure was killed during budget negotiations. 

The study would address critical data gaps, including the menhaden population within the Bay and the impacts of “reduction” fishing. 

In large part due to reduction fishing, more than 70 percent of all commercial menhaden harvest lands in Virginia. But menhaden management continues to rely on coastwide data that doesn’t paint a full picture of how the fishery affects fish in Virginia. A lack of Bay-specific data hinders effective management decisions and jeopardizes the health of this keystone species and renowned estuary.  

Robust menhaden populations are essential to Virginia’s $980 million recreational fishing economy, supporting valuable sportfish like striped bass. Yet troubling signs continue to mount, including starving osprey in areas of the Bay where they depend on menhaden for food. 

Chesapeake Bay Foundation Virginia Executive Director Chris Moore released the following statement:  

“This is not just bad news for fishermen, but bad news for a Chesapeake Bay ecosystem that continues to scream warnings about menhaden. For years, we’ve lacked the baseline knowledge we need to establish robust and lasting sustainability for menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay. Unfortunately, one foreign-owned entity continues to stand in the way of good science—Omega Protein, the largest harvester of menhaden on the Atlantic Coast.”   

“We are deeply disappointed that once again Omega Protein and their lobbyists have thwarted the good faith efforts to develop the necessary science for the Chesapeake Bay. Perhaps even more frustrating is the fact they twice previously supported the proposed approach to studying many of the most pressing questions related to the Commonwealth’s menhaden resource. This delay will not be received well by the public, who has long supported better menhaden science for the region.” 

Investments Bolster Chesapeake Bay Restoration and a Climate-Ready Commonwealth

Virginia lawmakers made some of the strongest investments in recent years when it comes to flood protection, cleaner rivers and streams, and more hands-on outdoor learning in the compromise budget proposal announced Thursday.

The budget conference report released Feb. 20 by Virginia state legislators proposed investments in climate resiliency, environmental education, and significant investment in pollution reduction. 

This House and Senate compromise on the state budget will now head the full House and Senate then Governor Youngkin for final approval.

Creating a Climate-Ready Commonwealth

• The proposed budget commits an additional $50 million dollars in general funds to the Community Flood Preparedness Fund, which is Virginia’s only dedicated climate change adaptation program. The Community Flood Preparedness Fund has helped communities around the Commonwealth begin to adapt to sea level rise and the costliest natural hazard: flooding.

Advancing Environmental Education 

• The proposed budget includes an investment of $500,000 to support statewide competitive environmental education experiences grant program: This ensures that Virginia’s youth meet state education standards and stay on par with neighboring states. The state’s current investments of just 30 cents per student in environmental education lags significantly behind neighboring states, falling 89.2% below Maryland ($2.78 per student) and 48.3% less than Pennsylvania (58 cents per student).  

Protecting Keystone Species

• The proposed budget includes $250,000 to reduce the predatory pressure of the invasive blue catfish in Virginia waters: The invasive species are known to feed on native species like menhaden, striped bass, shad, and blue crabs, straining these critical fisheries populations.
• The proposed budget does not include funding for a critical study intended to answer long-standing questions about the Bay’s menhaden and the Commonwealth’s largest fishery. 

Cleaner Water for Everyone

• The proposed budget includes a significant $40 million investment in the state’s Stormwater Local Assistance Fund (SLAF): Runoff from roofs, sidewalks, and roadways is a major source of harmful pollutants reaching our waterways. SLAF provides matching grants to localities for projects that reduce polluted runoff, such as stream restoration, rain gardens, and other retrofits. 
• The proposed budget commits an additional $31 million to fully fund wastewater treatment plant upgrades and $26 million to ensure we can fund agricultural best management practices in the years ahead: This is one of the highest investments for cleaner water in recent years in the state budget. Practices like fencing cattle out of streams, planting streamside trees and grasses, and many others are the most cost-effective steps Virginia can take to restore the Chesapeake Bay and local streams. At the same time, many of Virginia’s sewage treatment facilities have made important progress in nutrient reductions in recent years due to investments made by the General Assembly. 

Chesapeake Bay Foundation Virginia Policy Manager Jay Ford released the following statement:  

“Virginians are speaking clearly. They want clean rivers and streams for their kids to enjoy, stronger defenses against devastating storms, and a healthy environment that supports our economy. Investing in these priorities isn’t just good environmental policy, it’s smart economic sense. A thriving natural environment means a thriving Virginia.” 

“These are investments that pay off for generations. We can’t afford to wait until the next major storm hits or another waterway is polluted. Reactive measures are costly and often insufficient. We need proactive investments in climate change adaptation, pollution reduction, and environmental education.”

“The budget is a reflection of our priorities. We are grateful to see a proposed budget that invests in a sustainable future for Virginia—a future with clean water, resilient communities, and abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation. This is what Virginians want, and it’s what our future demands.”

Today, the Moore Administration, in partnership with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Department of Agriculture (MDA), and Department of the Environment (MDE), presented the Chesapeake Bay Legacy Act (SB428/HB506) to the Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) submitted supportive testimony and urges lawmakers to advance the legislation out of committee. 

The legislation would improve Bay health, while also promoting economic growth, by making environmentally friendly practices easier and more appealing for people and businesses across the state to implement. The bill’s new programs and reforms address some of the recommendations identified in the Chesapeake Bay Program’s May 2023 Comprehensive Evaluation of System Response (CESR) report. 

The Act will: 

• Establish a Maryland Leaders in Environmentally Engaged Farming (LEEF) Program Fund, administered by MDA, which will increase farmer incentives to implement regenerative agriculture practices that improve soil health and reduce pollution; 
• Promote regenerative agriculture on DNR-owned state land; 
• Incorporate the effects of climate change such as increased water temperatures and migration pattern changes into fishery management decisions; 
• Create a water quality monitoring program managed by DNR, which will help quantify progress and inform future strategies to clean the Bay’s rivers and streams; 
• Simplify annual reporting for the shellfish aquaculture industry, which makes tremendous improvements to water quality, fish habitat, and economic growth in Maryland; and,  
• Expedite permitting to implement the Whole Watershed Restoration Act, which was passed by the General Assembly last year and aims to target restoration in five key watersheds across the state.  

Allison Colden, CBF Maryland Executive Director, issued the following statement: 

“The Chesapeake Bay Legacy Act brings hope for a healthier and more resilient future. This legislation gives our farmers, watermen, oyster growers, and restoration scientists the tools they need to succeed, and in turn, will reduce pollution in our rivers and streams.  

“Maryland is at a critical point for the Chesapeake Bay and its waterways, amid historic budget challenges and an uncertain outlook at the federal level. This Act will ensure our momentum continues in the right direction — for a future where all Marylanders can enjoy clean rivers and streams, wildlife can have secure and thriving habitats from the mountains to marshes, and local businesses that rely on our natural resources can grow and prosper.  

“We urge the General Assembly to pass this bill for the betterment of the Chesapeake Bay and Maryland’s people.” 

HARRISBURG—The $50 million for the Clean Streams Fund (CSF) included in the Governor Josh Shapiro’s  $51.5 billion General Fund budget proposal for fiscal year 2025-26 unveiled today would mean Pennsylvania farms have more projects on the ground that reduce pollution to local rivers and streams.

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) praised inclusion of $50 million in recurring budget investments for the CSF, which funds the Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program(ACAP). Cost-share investments through ACAP are passed through conservation districts, providing financial and technical assistance for local agricultural projects that reduce pollution.

Of the $50 million included in the Governor’s budget proposal for 2025-26, the CSF allocates 71.5 percent to ACAP.

Initially in 2024, Senator Scott Martin and Senator Gene Yaw included $50 million from personal income taxes in the tax code as new annual funding each August for the CSF. The fund tackles the top three sources of stream impairment in the Commonwealth: some agricultural activities, acid mine drainage, and urban/suburban stormwater runoff.  

The design of the legislation that created ACAP was a collaborative effort between CBF, the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, and the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences. The CSF and ACAP were introduced by Senator Yaw.

The budget proposal also provides $615,000 to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to prioritize clean water by providing guidance, direction, and advisement on agricultural-related runoff to meet the standards in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement. This funding will allow DEP to serve the public more effectively and bolster capacity to help farmers and conservation districts navigate federal and state funding programs.  

 CBF Pennsylvania Executive Director Julia Krall issued this statement:

“The $50 million in the Governor’s proposed budget for the Clean Streams Fund and Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program reaffirms the commitment of our elected leaders to creating a legacy of clean water, healthy soils, and resilient communities for future generations.

“Governor Shapiro’s words echoed through the Chesapeake Bay watershed last year when he said: ‘We are making sure Pennsylvania does its fair share. You have my commitment that this work will continue. Pennsylvania is all in.’

“ACAP is working to reduce pollution to our local waters.

“According to the Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission, which administers ACAP, $141 million has been committed to 66 county conservation districts and Philadelphia. Roughly $109 million has been under signed contract with farmers and committed to 1,227 projects.

“Farmers appreciate the value and importance of keeping soil and nutrients on the land instead of running off into the water. With support from the ACAP, they don’t have to implement needed measures on their own.”

Chesapeake Bay Foundation lauds advancement of climate-readiness measures

The Virginia General Assembly session has reached its midpoint, marking some wins and losses for key environmental measures. 

These measures would enhance our management of Virginia’s living resources, provide better planning for our growing solar industry, improve water quality, protect public health, and align with Governor Youngkin’s recent recommitment to Chesapeake Bay restoration.  

At this point known as “crossover,” bills started in one chamber must be passed in order to move to the other chamber for consideration, a key moment for legislation focused on flood resilience, protection of vital species, and advancements in clean energy. 

Key environmental wins and losses include: 

Protecting Virginians from Flooding and Extreme Weather 

• HB 2034 introduced by Delegate Shelly Simonds: This establishes efforts to protect the state’s existing tidal and nontidal wetlands, which are natural water filterers and sponges. This bill passed the House and will now head to the Senate. 
• HB2630 introduced by Delegate Rodney Willett and HB2638 introduced by Delegate Patrick Hope: Another natural sponge that cools our neighborhoods and reduces our energy use, trees would be easier to preserve and replace under these two bills that expand local authority. Both passed the House are under consideration by the Senate.  
• HB 2077 introduced by Delegate Paul Krizek and SB 1335 introduced by Senator David Marsden: These bills allow federally-recognized tribal governments access to Community Flood Preparedness funding. Both bills passed their respective chamber.  
• HJ 434 introduced by Delegate Michael Feggans and HJ 437 introduced by Delegate Kelly Convirs-Fowler: HJ434 direct studies on how state and localities would fund Coastal Storm Risk Management (CSRM) plans. HJ437 reestablishes the Joint Subcommittee of Recurrent Flooding. Both bills passed the House and on to the Senate for consideration. 

Protecting and Restoring Key Species 

• CBF is disheartened that legislation for an oyster stock assessment helping ensure the wise management of the state’s oysters as well as legislation and an accompanying $3 million budget amendment to move forward with a much-needed study of menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay did not advance in the General Assembly. CBF thanks Delegate Paul Milde for introducing the menhaden efforts and again notes the increasing need for scientific studies into the impact of factors including climate change and an industrial fishery on this important forage fish.  
• CBF continues to support HB 2782 introduced by Delegate Shelly Simonds that removes the one-fish daily limit for blue catfish longer than 32 inches, helping to reduce the predatory pressure of this invasive species in the tidal waters of the James, Rappahannock, and York Rivers. HB 2782 has passed the House and is under consideration by the Senate. 

Durable Future for Clean Energy 

• To achieve established clean energy goals without unduly compromising farmland or forests, CBF supported legislation from Senators Deeds and McPike and Delegate Sullivan to create a state advisory body for localities considering utility-scale solar projects. The legislation also required a regional energy plan. CBF is disappointed this measure did not advance.  

Reducing Pollution 

• The General Assembly showed continued strong support for reducing pollution in the budget by proposing funding for three key pillars of pollution reduction: agricultural best management practices, wastewater treatment plant upgrades, and investment in the Stormwater Local Assistant Fund, a matching grant program for projects that reduce polluted runoff such as stream restoration and rain gardens. 
  

  Practices like fencing cattle out of streams, planting streamside trees and grasses, and many others are the most cost-effective steps Virginia can take to restore the Bay and local streams. At the same time, many of Virginia’s sewage treatment facilities have made important progress in nutrient reductions in recent years due to investments made by the General Assembly. 

CBF Virginia Policy Manager Jay Ford released the following statement: 

“Protecting Virginians from costly flooding, extreme storms, and the health impacts of pollution is a bipartisan issue. This crossover period saw robust support for pollution reduction and measures to proactively prepare the Commonwealth for costly storms and flooding on our horizon.  

“While we celebrate the progress made on several key environmental fronts, the losses related to menhaden and oyster studies and the need for a comprehensive clean energy strategy highlight the urgency of the challenges facing the Chesapeake Bay. 

“This moment presents a significant opportunity for legislators to demonstrate their commitment to a healthy environment and resilient communities. We urge them to prioritize the measures that will ensure a cleaner, healthier Virginia for the next generation.”