(ANNAPOLIS, MD)—Chesapeake Bay Foundation President William C. Baker issued this statement following EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt's testimony before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee today.
"CBF remains deeply concerned about Administrator Pruitt's efforts to roll back environmental protections in the federal Clean Water and Clean Air acts. These federal tools are essential for efforts to restore water quality, not just here in the Chesapeake Bay, but around the country.
"The good news is that Administrator Pruitt acknowledged the progress that has been made by the federal/state partnership working together to save the Bay. He also vowed to support Congress' efforts to fully fund EPA's Chesapeake Bay Program, the federal 'glue' binding the effort together. In addition, he noted that EPA is reconsidering funding cuts for the Chesapeake Bay Journal, the region's most comprehensive source of news and information about Chesapeake Bay issues.
"Saving the Chesapeake Bay is on its way to being one of America's greatest environmental success stories. But we won't get there without a strong federal partner. We will be watching closely to ensure Administrator Pruitt stands by his word to continue supporting efforts to save the Bay."
