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Scott, Wittman, Sarbanes Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Boost Resources for Chesapeake Bay Conservation

October 31, 2019

WASHINGTON, DC –TODAY, Representatives Bobby Scott (VA-03), Rob Wittman (VA-01), and John Sarbanes (MD-03), all co-chairs of the bipartisan Chesapeake Bay Task Force, introduced bipartisan legislation to provide more resources to Chesapeake Bay conservation efforts. The Chesapeake Watershed Investments for Landscape Defense (Chesapeake WILD) Act will create a new grant program to assist local entities with their work on the ground restoring and protecting fish and wildlife habitats throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

"The Chesapeake Bay is one of America's greatest treasures and restoring the watershed is vitally important," said Congressman Scott. "The Chesapeake WILD Act will establish a new grant program that will help clean up the Bay, enhance fish and wildlife habitats, mitigate flooding, and increase recreational opportunities throughout the watershed. I am proud to see bipartisan support for this bill, and I look forward to securing its passage."

"As a former state health official who conducted field research in the Chesapeake Bay, I am aware of the ecological challenges facing Virginia waters, wetlands, and refuges," said Congressman Wittman. "This grant program is critical not only to continuing to clean up the Bay, but to restoring and protecting fish and wildlife habitat and ensuring the economic vitality of our region will be enjoyed for generations to come."

"This bipartisan bill will energize conservation efforts across the Chesapeake Bay Watershed," said Congressman Sarbanes. "By equipping our local partners with the resources they need to improve water quality, boost restoration projects and rehabilitate wildlife habitats, we can significantly improve the long-term health of the Bay."

Co-Sponsors of the Chesapeake WILD Act include: Reps. Don Beyer (VA-08), Matt Cartwright (PA-08), Gerry Connolly (VA-11), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Alcee Hastings (FL-20), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Steny Hoyer (MD-05), Elaine Luria (VA-02), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Denver Riggleman (VA-05), David Trone (MD-06), and Jennifer Wexton (VA-10).

Companion legislation has been introduced in the Senate by Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV).

The text of the legislation is available HERE. A fact sheet on the bill is available HERE.

Full list of the 105 organizations supporting the Chesapeake WILD Act can be foundHERE.

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