A Capital Gazette article (2017-04-17) reported that a coalition of environmental advocates and predominantly Democratic legislators urged President Donald Trump to provide $100 million in funding for Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts. Trump’s proposed budget is provides $0 for the Bay clean up, representing a $73 million reduction.
From the article:
“The federal partner must not quit now,” Chesapeake Bay Foundation president William Baker said. “It’s critical for human health, and it’s central to our economy.” …
By highlighting two Eastern Shore leaders — Salisbury’s Democratic Mayor Jake Day and Del. Sheree Sample-Hughes, D-Salisbury — the group focused much of the Monday press conference on the poultry industry’s effect on the Bay with the Chesapeake Bay Bridge’s shadow at their backs. …
Sen. Ben Cardin said the repeal of federal money threatens to undermine progress made to bring back the waterman and crabbing industries. …
Cardin also highlighted Republican Rep. Andy Harris and his support for restoring the federal funding, saying the issue of Bay cleanup is “bi-partisan.” …
While five House Republicans joined 12 Democrats in writing a letter urging Trump to maintain the Bay cleanup budget, it’s unclear what level a GOP-led Congress would attempt to restore the money.