Press Statement

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore’s newly released state budget includes funding for several high priority initiatives to improve Chesapeake Bay.

The Fiscal Year 2024 budget provides 43 new positions and $3.7 million in funding for the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) to enable the agency to close the extensive backlog of administratively continued pollution discharge permits.

CBF along with other environmental organizations have called on the state to review these so-called “zombie permits” because their pollution limits are often outdated and poorly enforced. The new MDE inspectors will help ensure that industrial and other types of facilities that are permitted to pump polluted water directly into the state’s waterways are complying with environmental regulations, which could reverse the state’s 20-year decline in clean water enforcement activities.

Gov. Moore’s budget also includes $15 million to implement the Tree Solutions Now Act of 2022, which requires the state to plant 5 million trees by 2030, including 500,000 in underserved urban areas. The funding will support farmers and community-based organizations interested in planting trees. Planting new trees is one of the most cost-effective ways to limit Chesapeake Bay pollutants and mitigate climate change in cities and on agricultural lands.

The budget also allocates $2 million for a new Chesapeake Bay bottom geological survey, which aims to overhaul maps last updated in the 1970s and 1980s that are used to make decisions about oyster management and other issues. CBF has previously urged officials to conduct the survey to better understand where potential oyster restoration projects could have the most success.

Gov. Moore’s first budget also allocates significant funding to helping the state meet requirements of the newly established Climate Solutions Now law. This includes a $13.8 million increase for state renewable energy programs and a $15.7 million increase in the state’s energy efficiency grants program.

Taken together, these initiatives will help Maryland accelerate progress to reach the 2025 Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint during a time when cleanup efforts are struggling. CBF’s State of the Bay report graded the overall health of the Bay as a D+, marking the third time in a row the grade in the biennial report has not changed.

In response, CBF’s Interim Maryland Executive Director Erik Fisher issued the following statement:

“This budget includes important investments that follow through on commitments made for Maryland’s environment. The new funding and staff for MDE’s enforcement programs are sorely needed to address the lack of oversight resulting from outdated permits spanning nearly two decades. Investments in tree plantings will help Maryland mitigate the effects of climate change, put more natural air and water filters throughout the landscape, and beautify our communities. The Bay bottom survey will give us a clearer view of the status of the Bay’s underwater habitats and the potential for future oyster restoration in Chesapeake Bay.

“The new budget represents a strong start for the environmental initiatives being pursued by Gov. Moore, Lt. Gov. Miller, and the administration. We’ll continue to watch the budget process closely to ensure programs for clean water are supported and fully funded as the budget makes its way through the General Assembly.”

Maryland Governor-elect Wes Moore today appointed Josh Kurtz as Maryland’s Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources.

For the last two years, Kurtz has served as the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s (CBF) Maryland Executive Director. As Maryland Executive Director, Kurtz has led CBF’s efforts to improve water quality across Maryland and help the state reach its 2025 Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint pollution reduction goals.  This included efforts to plant more trees, conserve forested land, help farmers make environmental improvements, green cities, and ensure the state maintains sustainable fisheries.

Kurtz joined CBF in January 2021 after serving as the policy and government relations director for The Nature Conservancy in Maryland. Kurtz previously led advocacy campaigns at the Maryland General Assembly and the D.C. City Council to generate support for environmental conservation and policies to reduce climate change.

Kurtz has a master’s degree in public policy from George Mason University and a bachelor’s degree in wildlife conservation from the University of Delaware.

Gov.-elect Moore also announced the appointments of Serena McIlwain as Secretary of the Department of the Environment and Kevin Atticks as Secretary of the Department of Agriculture.

In response to the news, Chesapeake Bay Foundation President Hilary Harp Falk issued this statement:

“Josh Kurtz brings to his new position a broad and deep understanding of the issues facing Maryland’s natural resources.  An environmental policy expert by training and experience, Josh approaches natural resources issues with respect for science, compassion for the people whose livelihoods depend on a healthy environment, and a deep commitment to improving the lives of Marylanders.  

“We look forward to working with all of Governor-elect Moore’s appointees toward our common goals of clean water, strong economies, and healthy communities.”

Trisha Salvia, Interim Director for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) in Pennsylvania, applauded the nominations of Russell Redding and Cindy Adams Dunn to return as Secretaries of the Pennsylvania Departments of Agriculture, and Conservation and Natural Resources, respectively. 

Redding and Dunn were nominated to retain their Cabinet posts by incoming Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. Shapiro will be sworn in as Pennsylvania’s 48th Governor on Jan. 17.

Redding previously served as Agriculture Secretary under Governor Ed Rendell from 2009-2011. In 2015, Redding and Dunn were nominated by Governor Tom Wolf and confirmed.

Rich Negrin was nominated by incoming Governor Shapiro and would be the first Latino to serve as Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. 

Of the nominations, Ms. Salvia said:

“CBF is thrilled that Russell Redding and Cindy Adams Dunn have been nominated to continue to lead the Departments of Agriculture, and Conservation and Natural Resources. We also welcome the opportunity to work with Mr. Negrin in the capacity of Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection.

“Throughout her career Cindy Dunn has been a clean water champion and as Secretary worked tirelessly so that Pennsylvanians can get the most enjoyment from the 2.2 million acres of state forest land and 124 state parks that DCNR oversees.

“Under Secretary Dunn’s leadership, DCNR has made planting streamside buffers a priority practice and has been working with the Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership to improve the quality of local rivers and streams.

“As the consummate public servant, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding has been a steady, guiding force at the helm of one of Pennsylvania’s most important industries.

“This would be the third administration for Russ Redding to serve as Secretary of Agriculture, and he has been a stalwart leader and advocate for farmers across the Commonwealth since day one. 

“As Pennsylvania’s farmers continue to face economic, social and environmental challenges, we at CBF believe that with Russ Redding’s leadership, the future of agriculture in the Commonwealth is in more than capable hands.

“Mr. Negrin most recently served as the vice president of Regulatory Policy and Strategy and head of external affairs at Commonwealth Edison.

“We wish Mr. Negrin the best of luck and pledge CBF’s continued commitment to working with the Department of Environmental Protection to reduce pollution and provide the clean air and rivers and streams that are the right of every Pennsylvanian.

“We look forward to working with the Departments of Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources, and Environmental Protection, so that we can leave a legacy of clean water for future generations.”

(ANNAPOLIS)—Today, the Chesapeake Bay Commission (CBC) announced it selected Anna Killius as its new Executive Director. Killius will lead the organization following the retirement of longtime CBC Executive Director Ann Swanson in November.

Killius, who most recently served as the advocacy director for the James River Association in Virginia, worked as a Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) legal intern in CBF’s Richmond office in 2012 while in law school at William & Mary. She also served on the legislative staff for Maryland Congressman John Sarbanes handling Chesapeake Bay policy issues and others.

CBF’s Virginia office has worked closely with Killius and the James River Association on countless issues to improve the health of the river and the Bay.

The CBC coordinates with state legislatures and the U.S. Congress to provide information about how legislation and policy could affect the Bay watershed and the ongoing efforts to improve water quality in the nation’s largest estuary.

CBF President Hilary Falk issued the following statement:

“The Commission chose a terrific person for this position. Anna is a skillful, knowledgeable, and respected partner of CBF and other environmental organizations. She has broad experience with the federal and state legislative processes and will be a tremendous asset leading the Commission’s important work. We look forward to working with Anna.”