As part of the EPA’s 50th Anniversary of the Clean Water Act celebration tour, leaders gathered at Sandy Point State Park to highlight the importance of the Chesapeake Bay.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox joined U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, Congressman John Sarbanes, EPA Region 3 Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz, and other regional and community leaders to highlight water quality improvements in the Chesapeake Bay. Leading up to the 50th Anniversary of the Clean Water Act on October 18, 2022, the tour will highlight waters that are essential to healthy people, vibrant ecosystems, agricultural productivity, and economic growth. Other stops will include the Florida Everglades, the Boston Harbor, the Cuyahoga River, the San Francisco Bay, and more.
According to the EPA’s press release, “Since 2012, state partners have maximized more than $366 from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to invest in green infrastructure solutions that reduce pollution in the Bay. Now, with funding available from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the federal family will continue to invest in restoring and protecting the critical habitats that drive the region’s economy and environmental health.”
Present a the celebration tour stop were U.S. Senators Cardin and Van Hollen along with U.S. Representative Trone, representing Maryland’s interest in the Bay, who were quoted in the EPA’s press release:
‘The Clean Water Act is of critical importance to Maryland water bodies and communities that rely on clean water. Best of all, it is the statutory home of the Chesapeake Bay Program, the unique state-federal grassroots partnership to restore our nation’s largest estuary. The once-in-a generation investment Congress and the Biden administration have delivered to the watershed this year is the perfect way to celebrate this milestone,’ said U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, a senior member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.
‘In passing the Clean Water Act 50 years ago, Congress established a simple but powerful vision of a future where all of America’s waters are fishable, swimmable, and drinkable. While we are still building that future, we continue to rely on the promises of this landmark legislation to guide us forward, especially in our goal to protect and preserve the Chesapeake Bay,’ said U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen. ‘We must never retreat from that vision and I’ve been proud to work alongside Federal Team Maryland to deliver historic federal investments for Bay restoration, improve access to clean water, and more. Working together, we will continue fighting to protect our treasured Chesapeake Bay and all of America’s waterways.’
‘Like any Marylander, I love the Chesapeake Bay and recognize its vital role in our lifestyles, traditions, and economy,’ said Congressman David Trone. ‘Representing a district in its watershed is an honor and a responsibility I don’t take lightly. On the Clean Water Act’s 50th Anniversary, we celebrate our progress and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring the Bay – and other water habitats across our country – can be enjoyed and depended on by future generations.’
