On Tuesday, four governors and D.C.’s mayor met at the National Aquarium in Baltimore to adopt a revised Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement, extending the restoration plan developed in 2014. This agreement will guide Bay cleanup over the next 15 years, incorporating input from federally recognized tribal nations for the first time.
The Chesapeake Executive Council appointed Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro as the new chairman and emphasized introducing Indigenous knowledge into watershed restoration. The new agreement sets four core goals: Thriving Habitats, Clean Water, Healthy Landscapes, and Engaged Communities, featuring 21 outcomes to achieve by 2040 with mid-point check-ins.
Leaders highlighted improved restoration efforts, particularly in oyster populations, and emphasized acting swiftly to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles. The agreement underscores the economic benefits of a clean watershed, which contributes significantly to tourism and job creation. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation praised the initiative and stressed the need for effective policies to tackle pollution and enhance restoration efforts.
Source link
