Opinion Pieces by Rob

I grew up on the Chesapeake Bay, spending my early years hunting, fishing and learning from the natural world around me. That foundation led me to a career in environmental science, serving over two decades with the Virginia Department of Health, studying water quality in the bay to ensure its shellfish were safe to harvest. Today, those experiences continue to shape my approach to serving the people of Virginia’s 1st District in Congress.

As vice chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee and co-chair of the bipartisan Chesapeake Bay Watershed Task Force, I believe conservation policy must be practical, science-based and responsive to the people who depend on our natural resources.

The Chesapeake Bay is more than a national treasure — it drives Virginia’s economy, creates countless jobs, sustains family farms and supports fisheries and local businesses. But the bay faces real threats. Increasingly severe storms and flooding lead to crop damage, soil erosion and harmful runoff that damages our waterways. If we don’t act now, the environmental and economic costs will only grow.

That’s why I introduced the Chesapeake Bay Conservation Acceleration Act, a bill that focuses federal resources on the approximately 83,000 farms in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. It strengthens conservation programs that improve soil health, reduce runoff and enhance water quality — all while helping farmers lower costs and boost productivity. It’s a win-win: good for the environment and good for agriculture.

My bill also tackles a growing workforce challenge. Too many local farmers want to adopt conservation practices but simply lack access to trained technical specialists who can help them do so. The Chesapeake Bay Conservation Acceleration Act offers more support so our local producers can access the help they need and focus on producing quality and affordable food.

We also need to restore balance in the bay’s ecosystem, which is why my bill makes it easier to harvest invasive blue catfish, which are threatening native species. This creates a new revenue stream for watermen while restoring ecological health.

At the end of last year, I was proud to see my America’s Conservation Enhancement Reauthorization Act signed into law by President Joe Biden. This bipartisan bill builds on years of work to restore habitats, support clean water and improve accountability for conservation spending. It’s proof that we can address our environmental and economic goals simultaneously. This isn’t partisan; it’s just smart policy.

Conservation is not just protecting natural resources we love — it’s about supporting the people and industries that depend on them. From agriculture and aquaculture to outdoor recreation and tourism, these resources sustain thousands of jobs across Virginia’s 1st District. By investing in conservation, we’re supporting our economy, our communities and our future.

The Chesapeake Bay is integral to our way of life as Virginians. Let’s do our part to ensure it remains healthy for generations to come. I urge my colleagues in Congress to help pass the Chesapeake Bay Conservation Acceleration Act and deliver real results for our farmers, our watermen and our bay.

U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman represents the 1st Congressional District of Virginia, which includes the Historic Triangle, Poquoson, the Northern Neck, Middle Peninsula and part of the Richmond suburbs. He serves as vice chairman of both the House Armed Services Committee and the House Natural Resources Committee.