While we all want clean water, there's no denying that fighting pollution is often expensive. With limited resources, we should wisely invest in pollution reduction practices that give us the best bang for our buck. Fortunately, the least expensive ways to fight pollution also targets the largest source of pollution—agricultural runoff. This graphic speaks volumes:
Given this reality, it matters very much to the health of the Bay that in a little less than three months, the current Farm Bill will expire. This massive bill, which is passed every five years or so, is crucial to Bay cleanup efforts because it includes conservation programs that help farmers stop pollution at its source and ensure our families enjoy clean water.
Last week, the Senate passed its version of the 2018 Farm Bill, which provides critical funding for important conservation tools and resources that support farmers with resources to reduce pollution, remain profitable, and improve water quality. While this is good news, we're not out of the woods yet.
The House passed its version, H.R. 2, on June 20. Unfortunately, the House bill fails to make critical reforms to improve conservation program performance and delivery in the Bay watershed. The Senate and House need to resolve the differences in their bills by September 30. We will keep a close eye on these negotiations. Stay tuned for opportunities to take action to ensure a strong Farm Bill for clean water in your local rivers, streams, and Chesapeake Bay. And visit here to learn more about the Farm Bill and its impact on clean water.
This Week in the Watershed: Teaching Teachers, Vernon Views, and Salty Streets
- Road salts have an enormous impact on local water quality, prompting the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality to issue one creek in northern Virginia the first salt-related Total Maximum Daily Load in the Bay watershed. (Bay Journal)
- The summer forecast for the Bay looks ominous, as a new report predicts the dead zone will likely grow larger this year. But there is some good news. (WBOC—MD)
- Efforts are underway to clean up a long-time hazardous environmental site in Baltimore. (WYPR—MD)
- The guardians of George Washington's Mount Vernon estate are fighting the construction of a natural gas compressor station, which they argue will spoil a historic view and impact local air quality. (Bay Journal)
- Lisa Feldt, a former Acting Deputy Administrator at the EPA, joined CBF as its new Vice President for Environmental Protection and Restoration. (Baltimore Sun—MD) BONUS: CBF Press Release
- The management of menhaden, a critical forage fish, has quite a complicated story in the Old Dominion. (Richmond Times Dispatch—VA)
- Virginia teachers received hands-on education on how to bring environmental literacy into their classrooms, courtesy of CBF's Elisabeth Reed Carter Virginia Canoe Environmental Education Program. (Daily Press—VA)
- Rain gardens and other stormwater projects are helping to reduce polluted runoff in Cambridge, writes CBF's Eastern Shore Grassroots Field Specialist Hilary Gibson. (Star Democrat—MD)
What's Happening Around the Watershed?
July 7
- Easton, MD: Come on out to the final event in the Clean Water Concert Series featuring the XPDs, playing Motown, R&B, and your favorite pop hits. All concerts are free and open to the public. Learn more here!
July 19
- Virginia Beach, VA: Join us for an evening of cocktails, live music, and oysters galore with a beautiful view at CBF's Brock Environmental Center. Register here!
July 20
- Shady Side, MD: Break a sweat and help Save the Bay–join CBF in cleaning the "homes" of the next generation of Chesapeake Bay oysters! Help restore the Chesapeake's native oyster population by cleaning oyster shells. We'll be shaking off the dirt and debris on shells so baby oysters can successfully grow on them. This "shell shaking" event is a bit of a workout but a fun, hands-on experience. With lifting involved, it is not recommended for individuals with bad backs or other health concerns. A tour of our restoration center will follow the shell shaking. Register here!
July 27
- Shady Side, MD: Break a sweat and help Save the Bay–join CBF in cleaning the "homes" of the next generation of Chesapeake Bay oysters! Help restore the Chesapeake's native oyster population by cleaning oyster shells. We'll be shaking off the dirt and debris on shells so baby oysters can successfully grow on them. This "shell shaking" event is a bit of a workout but a fun, hands-on experience. With lifting involved, it is not recommended for individuals with bad backs or other health concerns. A tour of our restoration center will follow the shell shaking. Register here!
August 10
- Shady Side, MD: Break a sweat and help Save the Bay–join CBF in cleaning the "homes" of the next generation of Chesapeake Bay oysters! Help restore the Chesapeake's native oyster population by cleaning oyster shells. We'll be shaking off the dirt and debris on shells so baby oysters can successfully grow on them. This "shell shaking" event is a bit of a workout but a fun, hands-on experience. With lifting involved, it is not recommended for individuals with bad backs or other health concerns. A tour of our restoration center will follow the shell shaking. Register here!
