WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01), Co-Chair of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Caucus, participated in the Choose Clean Water Coalition’s 11th Annual Chesapeake Bay Day Briefing. The Choose Clean Water Coalition hosts an annual Chesapeake Bay Day in Washington, D.C. where Members of Congress and Coalition members meet to discuss the importance of clean water programs and Chesapeake Bay policy priorities.
“The Chesapeake Bay is incredibly important to the environmental and economic well-being of the First District and the Commonwealth,” said Congressman Wittman. “As a lifelong conservationist, the health of the Bay is a top priority for me. We have a responsibility to properly steward the Chesapeake Bay Watershed region, and I’m proud of the work we have accomplished in Congress to ensure the Bay can continue to serve as a vital resource for generations to come. I look forward to continuing our work together to advance the clean-up and preservation of the Chesapeake Bay.”
Throughout his time in Congress, Congressman Wittman has worked diligently with his colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure the proper stewardship of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed region. Congressman Wittman has introduced and supported multiple pieces of legislation to safeguard the Bay, including, but not limited to:
Chesapeake Bay Accountability and Recovery Act – Brings increased accountability measures and more collaborative management approach to Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts and spending.
Chesapeake WILD Act – Requires the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to establish and carry out a grant and technical assistance program to restore and protect the habitat for fish and wildlife in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Chesapeake Bay Program Reauthorization Act – Fully funds the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Chesapeake Bay Program for the next five years, ensuring the states get the resources they need to comply with their obligations to protect and preserve the Bay.
Prior to serving in Congress, Congressman Wittman spent over 25 years as a public health professional for the Virginia Department of Health, conducting field research in the Chesapeake Bay. He brings his professional expertise in water quality, fisheries, and other natural resources issues to the House Natural Resources Committee where he serves on the Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries and Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittees.
To view photos from the briefing, click the attached images.