Sarbanes’ Chesapeake Bay Restoration Legislation Passes Committee

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.) today applauded the House Natural Resources Committee as it passed his legislation, H.R. 3540, the Chesapeake Bay Science, Education and Ecosystems Enhancements (SEEE) Act, to strengthen Chesapeake Bay restoration and environmental education efforts.

"I am pleased the Committee advanced my legislation to enhance the health of the Chesapeake Bay and regional economy today. This legislation will support the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Chesapeake Bay Office's continued leadership and coordination of restoration efforts, fisheries management, habitat protection and scientific research. It will also authorize educational grants to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. I urge the House to take it up swiftly to restore and protect the national treasure that is the Chesapeake Bay."

Congressman Sarbanes testified at the Subcommittee on Water, Oceans and Wildlife hearing on his legislation earlier this year.

The Chesapeake Bay SEEE Act would:

• Reauthorize the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office – a key partner in the Bay Program and a leader in its fisheries, environmental literacy, climate resiliency and habitat work – through 2025;
• Direct NOAA to support coordinated management, protection, characterization and restoration of Bay habitats and living resources;
• Authorize the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) grant program, which provides hands-on educational experiences to teach young people about environmental stewardship;
• Enhance the Chesapeake Bay Interpretative Buoy System, which provides real-time environmental information used by researchers, boaters, educators and the public; and
• Expand aquaculture technical assistance programs, which protect the environment and the seafood industry.