WASHINGTON, D.C.– Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan expressed plans to extend federal funding for Chesapeake Bay restoration programs ahead of a 2025 deadline.
Local, state and federal partners have worked since 2010 to meet the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint’s 2025 goal for reducing nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment pollution in the watershed.
Despite the program’s success, officials say some of the goals for 2025 have not been met.
Maryland Senators Ben Cardin (D) and Chris Van Hollen (D) advised Regan and the EPA to reconstitute the Federal Leadership Committee in charge of administering the Chesapeake Bay Program.
Regan told Cardin the EPA remains committed to funding Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts during a Senate Environmental and Public Works Committee hearing May 8.
The administrator said the Federal Leadership Committee is scheduled to reconvene in the fall.
The EPA’s fiscal year 2025 proposed budget includes $92 million annual funding for the federal Chesapeake Bay Program.
