WASHINGTON — Virginia 2nd District Congresswoman Elaine Luria is leading an effort to protect and preserve the Chesapeake Bay.
The Chesapeake Bay Program Reauthorization Act would inject $455 million into the Environmental Protection Agency's Chesapeake Bay Program. The money would go to states within the watershed to help them control pollution and manage runoff into the tributaries that feed into the Bay.
The legislation has bipartisan support, including co-sponsors Democrat Bobby Scott (VA-03) and Republican Rob Wittman (VA-01).
Congress has not formally reauthorized the program since 2005.
“The Chesapeake Bay is among the most important sites for ecological diversity in North America, and we want to keep it clean and thriving for future generations,” Rep. Luria said in a news release. “I’m proud to lead a bipartisan effort to protect precious economic and environmental resources with a cost-effective, state-focused approach. Congress must stand up for the Bay – one of our greatest natural treasures.”
Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) are leading the effort to pass a version of the legislation in the U.S. Senate.