Advocacy

Jordyn and CBF's Rick Mittler meet with Del Rob Bloxom-Credit Ann Jurczyk-1171x593

CBF's Rick Mittler and student leader Jordyn Lewis met with Delegate Rob Bloxom to discuss state investments in environmental literacy.

Ann Jurczyk/CBF Staff

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation and its supporters are the strongest and most effective voice that exists for protecting and restoring the Bay and its rivers and streams. We work at local, state, and federal levels advocating for science-driven laws and regulations that reduce pollution, restore vital natural systems like oyster reefs, forests, and wetlands, and encourage smart growth in our communities.

CBF acts as a watchdog, elevating policies and legislation that further science-based restoration goals and opposing those that set back clean water progress. Our staff of scientists and policy experts offer guidance to lawmakers and government agencies on issues ranging from agricultural conservation practices to fisheries management, to ensure the laws, policies, and programs necessary for Bay restoration are in place.

There is no greater advocate in Maryland for the Chesapeake Bay than the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. We are fortunate to have their strong voice leading the fight for a healthier Bay and its tributaries. For over 50 years, their efforts to engage and educate Marylanders on the actions they can take to save the Bay has worked to protect the Bay's natural resources, safeguard its wildlife, and ensure clean water for our communities and future generations.

– Congressman Steny Hoyer (MD-5)

To Hold Accountable

One of CBF's top priorities is to defend and implement the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint, the federal/state partnership that is key to saving the Bay. Much of this work is unfolding in Washington, DC, where CBF and our allies worked hard to stop legislation and regulation that would have dramatically set back efforts to restore the Chesapeake Bay.

Just as important are local communities across the watershed working hard to implement their states' plans to restore the Bay, rivers, and streams in innovative and cost-effective ways. Check out our latest legislative efforts in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

Our collective voices—YOUR voices—are the most powerful tool there is to save the Bay and its rivers and streams. Our advocacy efforts, from the ground up, have worked in concert for decades to ensure clean water restoration is a national, bipartisan priority that resonates as much in the halls of Congress as it does on the waterfronts of Virginia Beach, Baltimore, Harrisburg, and more. But we can't do this critical work without clean water advocates like you!

Join the Fight for Clean Water

No matter your age or experience, you can take action as an advocate for clean water. Not sure where to start? There are several ways you can get involved:

From Our Blog

  • Top Five Advocacy Wins for the Bay in 2024

    December 17, 2024

    Banning toxic pavement sealant in Virginia, requiring native plants along Pennsylvania highways, protecting trees in Maryland...We look back at what our clean water advocates accomplished across the watershed this year.

  • Planting Roots in the Bay

    July 9, 2024

    CBF Student Leader Brianna Akuamoah-Boateng reflects on her Bay experiences and looks to the future.

  • The Year of the Tree

    May 21, 2024

    CBF backed nine tree conservation bills in Virginia in 2024, and a historic number of them made it all the way to the governor’s desk. CBF's Ann Jurczyk is one reason advocacy is paying off.

  • Shaped by a Salamander

    April 23, 2024

    Five years after their triumphant campaign to crown the Eastern hellbender as Pennsylvania’s state amphibian, former CBF student leaders are taking on the world of conservation, education, and law.

  • Standing Up for the Environment and Green Schools

    April 8, 2024

    Anna Saderholm spent much of her early educational days in the outdoors and learning about our environment through valuable experiences, including growing baby oysters with CBF in the 4th grade. Recently, she reflected on her journey from environmentally conscious child to advocating for green education in the Maryland General Assembly.

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The Bay Needs You

The State of the Bay Report makes it clear that the Bay needs our support now more than ever. Your donation helps the Chesapeake Bay Foundation maintain our momentum toward a restored Bay, rivers, and streams for today and generations to come.

Donate Today

Volunteer

Do you enjoy working with others to help clean the Chesapeake Bay? Do you have a few hours to spare? Whether growing oysters, planting trees, or advocating for a clean Bay, there are plenty of ways you can contribute.

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