Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin today issued an executive directive on Chesapeake Bay restoration.
This comes less than a week before Gov. Youngkin is scheduled to discuss Chesapeake Bay issues with Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, and other federal and state leaders at the Chesapeake Executive Council meeting in Annapolis, Md., on Dec. 10.
The officials are expected to chart a path forward during a pivotal time for the Chesapeake Bay.
States in the Bay watershed are expected to miss 2025 deadlines to reduce pollution to the Chesapeake, and new science shows that changes are needed to ensure a healthier Bay. Leaders must also confront mounting challenges from climate change, population growth, and development.
Next week, Virginia and other states in the Chesapeake Bay watershed will consider updating the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Agreement.
Chesapeake Bay Foundation Virginia Executive Director Chris Moore issued the following statement.
“Chesapeake Bay restoration is at a crossroads. Governor Youngkin rightly recognized that, to leave a thriving Chesapeake Bay for future generations, Virginia needs leadership, innovation, and a focus on measurable results. Virginia’s upcoming legislative session is a prime opportunity for the Commonwealth to continue our important investments in cleaner waterways and iconic living resources.
“Over the next year, leaders across the Chesapeake Bay watershed are expected to update the multi-state agreement that guides Bay restoration.
“We’re encouraged that Governor Youngkin’s directive points to the importance of living resources like crabs, oysters, and wetlands, and calls for accelerating the need for monitoring to assess our results, and targeting investments where they will make the biggest difference.
“We thank Governor Youngkin for his recommitment to the Chesapeake Bay Agreement at this critical time.”
