Press Releases

WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (R-VA-01) announced that he and fellow members representing the Chesapeake Bay region – Reps. Bobby Scott (D-VA-03), Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02), and Sarah Elfreth (D-MD-03) – introduced the Chesapeake Bay Conservation Acceleration Act.

The legislation would focus federal resources on the approximately 83,000 farms in the Chesapeake Bay watershed to boost voluntary conservation efforts that help achieve water quality goals, increase soil health, and provide economic benefits. Additionally, the legislation provides solutions for developing a more robust agriculture workforce to get more technical assistance on the ground, and it would simplify harvesting invasive blue catfish from the Bay.

"Growing up in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, I spent countless hours outdoors—hunting, fishing, and appreciating the region’s natural beauty," said Congressman Wittman. "Having deep roots in this area, I understand the vital role agriculture plays in the Commonwealth’s economy and the strong commitment our farmers have to protecting and preserving the Bay. This legislation will ensure that critical resources are directed toward on-the-ground conservation efforts that support farmers and restore the Bay. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan effort to promote responsible land and water stewardship and to advocate for a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Chesapeake Bay for future generations."

"Protecting the health of the Chesapeake Bay will require partnership with the agricultural communities,” said Congressman Scott. “This bill expands proven programs actively reducing runoff pollution and improving water quality by providing farmers the resources they need to take action. I look forward to working with my colleagues in supporting our farmers and restoring the Chesapeake Bay."

“The Chesapeake Bay is a vital part of our economy, environment, and way of life in Virginia’s Second District,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “Supporting our agriculture workforce and protecting the coastal waterways that provide so much for us here in the Commonwealth is critical. I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan legislation to protect the Bay and make our coastal communities more resilient for generations to come.”

“The health of the Chesapeake Bay has a profound impact on the ecology and economy of Maryland and the entire Bay Watershed,” said Congresswoman Elfreth. “The conservation of agricultural land and deployment of best management practices that lead to healthier soil and clean water is essential to the economy as well as our progress in restoring the health of the Bay. I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan bill with Bay champions from across the Watershed to resource this outstanding work.”

A companion bill was introduced in the Senate by U.S. Sens. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), and John Fetterman (D-PA).

The current farm bill expires Sept. 30, 2025, and Congress continues to work to extend these critical programs for farmers. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) conservation programs in the Farm Bill provide substantial resources, including funding and technical assistance to implement on-the-ground conservation practices in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. The Chesapeake Bay Conservation Acceleration Act would provide additional tools to further investments and conservation programs in the region.

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.

Read the full bill text here.

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