Press Releases

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) announced that he has relaunched the Congressional Chesapeake Bay Watershed Task Force alongside fellow co-chairs Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03), Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), and Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01).

“As a former marine scientist who studied water quality in the Chesapeake Bay, I know firsthand how important it is that we protect this national treasure,” said Congressman Wittman. “The Bay is an economic engine for coastal Virginia, and it’s integral to our way of life in the Commonwealth. As co-chair of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Task Force, I will continue to work to conserve our natural resources and encourage responsible stewardship of our land, water, and wildlife.”

“The Chesapeake Bay Watershed Task Force brings together members from both sides of the aisle focused on preserving the Chesapeake Bay,” said Congressman Scott. “Together, the Task Force has secured critically needed funding for conservation efforts throughout the watershed and we have advanced policies to enable the Bay community to make progress towards it goals. I look forward to working with my fellow co-chairs to continue uniting the region in support of the Chesapeake Bay, one of our greatest national treasures.”

“My leadership on the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Task Force reflects my commitment to maintaining the ecological and economic value of one of our region’s greatest resources,” said Congresswoman Elfreth. “I’m proud to bring my experience from the National Aquarium, Maryland State Senate, and Chesapeake Bay Commission to the Task Force. I’m ready to get to work with my wonderful co-chairs to preserve this resource for all Marylanders.”

“The Chesapeake Bay is a national treasure that must be preserved for future generations to enjoy,” said Congressman Harris. “For several years, the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Task Force has brought together Members of Congress on a bipartisan basis with a goal of preserving the Bay. I am committed to commonsense, multi-state solutions that protect the Bay and look forward to the work the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Task Force will do this year.”

The Chesapeake Bay Watershed Task Force is designed to preserve and protect the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, a crucial resource for several Mid-Atlantic states. The Task Force will educate members of Congress on and provide a bipartisan forum for policy discussions and joint action related to water quality, conservation, resource management and recreation issues affecting the Chesapeake Bay watershed. This includes developing regional policy initiatives and supporting sustained and robust appropriations targets that can help the watershed achieve its pollution reduction goals under the Chesapeake Bay Program.

Congressman Wittman has remained a steadfast advocate for the Chesapeake Bay. Before coming to Congress, he worked as a marine scientist and director of the Division of Shellfish Sanitation at the Virginia Department of Health. In December, his America’s Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Reauthorization Act was signed into law by the president.

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