CBF and our partners filed suit against the federal Environmental Protection Agency this week, the next step toward requiring the agency to uphold the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint. Learn about the legal basis for our action and how it fits in the long history of Bay restoration efforts. Brush up on how upstream pollution affects the Bay, as well as local waterways. And find out how our Making History Campaign is helping accelerate efforts to defend and advance the Blueprint.
CBF Sues EPA
Yesterday, CBF and our partners filed a complaint suing the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for abdicating its responsibilities under the Clean Water Act. Attorneys General in Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, and the District of Columbia also filed a separate suit. Watch the press conference and read the complaint.
Why We’re Going to Court
Filing suit this week is the next step toward requiring EPA to uphold the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint and ensure pollution-reduction goals for the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers and streams are met. This explainer discusses the legal basis for our action, why we took it, and why it matters for the Bay.
Fight for the Blueprint
The historic Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint is our last, best chance to achieve the fishable, swimmable waters guaranteed by the Clean Water Act. Explore this timeline of Bay restoration efforts to learn how the Blueprint came to be and why we’ve fought for years to protect and implement it.
Video: Making History
CBF’s Making History Campaign launched in 2018 to accelerate efforts in defense and advancement of the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint. Focused on restoring two of the Bay's most effective natural filters—trees and oysters—the campaign will improve water quality, engage new advocates, and drive economic benefits across the region.
Video: We’re All in this Together
The Chesapeake Bay’s watershed stretches 64,000 square miles across six states and D.C. In this educational investigation, see the interconnectedness of this national treasure as you follow the journey of a raindrop from mountains to Bay. Learn how pollution and natural filters upstream affect the quality of our water as it flows through rivers, streams, farms, and cities along the way.
What You Can Do
- Sign the pledge to show your support and stand with CBF as we take EPA to court.
- Virginians—Join our September 16 webinar to learn how to navigate Virginia's legislative and rule-making process and become a more effective advocate for clean water.
- Sign up for our weekly Save the Bay e-newsletter—a weekly roundup of uplifting Bay stories, inspirational videos, helpful teaching resources, and much more.
- Help us continue to bring the Bay and its rivers to you at home each week. Donate today!
