Legislation Would Bolster Critical Program to Improve Health of Chesapeake Bay, Rivers, and Streams
(ANNAPOLIS, MD)—Today, Congressman John Sarbanes (D-MD) and Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) introduced the Chesapeake Bay Science, Education, and Ecosystem Enhancement (SEEE) Act. Joined by many members of the Chesapeake Bay watershed Congressional delegation, the proposed legislation would strengthen the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) commitment to the Chesapeake Bay. The SEEE Act would provide NOAA with resources to support ongoing federal, state, and local efforts to restore the Bay, manage fisheries, and expand environmental education opportunities. In response, Choose Clean Water Coalition Acting Director Mariah Davis issued the following statement:
“We are thrilled to see the reintroduction of the SEEE Act. NOAA's Chesapeake Bay Office (NCBO) is a crucial partner in the fight to protect and restore the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers and streams. This legislation provides much-needed funding and directives to improve NCBO's efficiency and capacity. With this support, NCBO can improve its monitoring and observation of restoration activities, award critical environmental education grants throughout the Bay watershed, and coordinate various habitat work in the Chesapeake, including on oyster research and restoration.
“The bipartisan support for the SEEE Act is another reminder of the widespread support for clean water programs.Thanks to Congressman John Sarbanes (D-MD) and Senator Mark Warner (D-VA), both long-time champions for the Bay, this legislation will generate many positive ripple effects in the work to leave a legacy of clean water to future generations.
“We look forward to watching the SEEE Act progress through the legislative process and await the day we can celebrate its passage into law.”
The Choose Clean Water Coalition is an organization that harnesses the collective power of more than 250 local, state, regional, and national groups to advocate for clean rivers and streams in all communities in the Chesapeake region.
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Media Contact:
Drew Robinson
443-927-8049
RobinsonAQ@nwf.org