Today Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam issued a new executive directive setting targets for significantly reducing polluted runoff from lands owned by state agencies and public educational institutions. Gov. Northam signed the directive at Ancarrow’s Landing in the James River Park System and then joined members of his Conservation Cabinet, Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) representatives and other state and local leaders in cleaning up litter from the riverbanks as part of CBF’s Clean the Bay Day.
Also today, Gov. Northam signed a proclamation declaring this week an extended Clean the Bay Day, inviting Virginians to help in this annual effort to remove hundreds of thousands of pounds of harmful trash and debris from Virginia’s waterways. There is still time to participate in this statewide litter cleanup, which runs through Saturday, by signing up at cbf.org/ctbd.
Chesapeake Bay Foundation Virginia Executive Director Peggy Sanner issued the following statement:
“Governor Northam’s plan for reducing polluted runoff from state lands is a reminder that restoring the Chesapeake Bay depends on efforts by everyone in the watershed, including individuals, business and even the state government. This Governor’s directive will ensure pollution reduction steps are taken now on state lands, and it also lays a strong framework for the next governor in Virginia, who must ensure the Commonwealth meets its commitments to reduce pollution to the Bay by 2025 under the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint.
“By picking up litter along the James River this morning, Governor Northam, Mayor Stoney, and other state leaders demonstrated active stewardship of the health of the river and downstream waterways. The Ancarrow’s Landing site highlights the important role of the James in providing all residents with opportunities to fish and recreate. We were honored to participate with these leaders in the care of this part of the River.”
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