Sarbanes Leads Legislative Effort to Strengthen Chesapeake Bay Restoration

Press Release

Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.) today underscored the importance of his legislation -- H.R. 3540, the Chesapeake Bay Science, Education and Ecosystems Enhancements (SEEE) Act -- to protecting and restoring the health of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

Testifying at a Subcommittee on Water, Oceans and Wildlife hearing, Congressman Sarbanes recognized the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Chesapeake Bay Office as a leader in ongoing research and restoration efforts. Congressman Sarbanes urged the Committee to advance his legislation reauthorizing this office to improve coordination of Bay Watershed restoration activities and strengthen environmental education programs.

Dr. Allison Colden of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation also testified about this legislation's potential impact on conserving coastal and marine habitats and ensuring the next generation of environmental stewards.

"As our nation's largest estuary, the Chesapeake Bay is in many ways the soul of Maryland," said Congressman Sarbanes. "This national environmental treasure also impacts residents throughout its expansive watershed -- which includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia -- and is an economic engine for the region's tourism and seafood industries."

He continued, "As the coordinating body for research and restoration efforts in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, NOAA's Chesapeake Bay Office plays a major role in improving Bay health by providing vital scientific research and data for these efforts and engaging in habitat restoration projects and environmental education."

Finally, he said, "Through federal, state and local partner cooperation, we have made great progress to restore and protect the health of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. The NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office has been an essential partner in this endeavor and this bill will ensure that it remains ready and able to develop and carry out its important work for the region."

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