$13 Million More for Bay Program. But What About More Accountability?

Federal funding in the Chesapeake Bay cleanup program may increase by $13 million next year. This is good news. But more than just money, this taxpayer is demanding more accountability –- to make sure my family's investments in the Bay result in real pollution reductions, not just  hot air.

Do you agree? Who is backing these checks for the Bay program, anyway?  You and me.

During testimony today before the Senate  Committee on Environment and Public Works, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson said that the Chesapeake Bay Program – a federally-led partnership with Bay  area states – will receive $63 million in the fiscal year starting on October 1 in President Barack Obama’s proposed budget.

This is an increase from about $50 million this year, which was also up from approximately $40 million the year before. Considering the even greater economic benefits that would flow from a restored Chesapeake Bay, Congress should support the President’s proposed increase – and invest even more in clean water.

What will EPA do with the cash?

“We are accelerating implementation of pollution reduction and aquatic habitat restoration efforts to ensure that water quality objectives are achieved as soon as possible,” Jackson told the committee, according to a transcript of her comments. 

Much of the focus for the Bay program next year will be putting into action the largest and most complex series of pollution control guidelines ever created in the United States, Jackson said.  This pollution “diet” for the Bay – also called a “Total Maximum Daily Load” – will set maximum amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment allowed into the Bay from more than 17 million people, 88,000 farms, 483 large sewage treatment plants, and many other sources in the 64,000 square mile Bay watershed, Jackson told the committee.

Strong pollution guidelines for the states are essential.  But even more important is that these limits are put into law, because the states and federal government have already missed two deadlines – in 2000 and 2010 – for cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay.  That is why Congress, in addition to approving a strong budget, must also pass the Chesapeake Clean Water and Ecosystem Restoration Act. This bill, the most important environmental legislation in a generation, which would impose federal penalties on the states if they fail to keep their promises to reduce pollution in the Bay.

For more information, click here.

(Top: Kevin Wolf photo of Lisa Jackson, right, in May speaking at meeting in Mount Vernon, Virginia, of Chesapeake Bay regional officials)

Comments

[John Koontz]

What good does it do to give the likes of MDE more money if they do not even issue permit? Why do the Maryland Riverkeepers have to point out no enforcement? More money down the uncontrolled storm sewer?