The House of Representatives yesterday passed popular bipartisan legislation renewing several key Chesapeake Bay restoration programs that fund conservation and water quality projects in communities across the watershed.
The America’s Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Reauthorization Act, co-sponsored by Reps. Rob Wittman (R-Va.), Jen Kiggans (R-Va.), Mike Thompson D-Calif.), and Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), cleared the House by an overwhelming vote of 366-21.
The legislation extends the historic ACE Act of 2020, which President Trump signed, another five years, through fiscal year 2030. It reauthorizes EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Program at $92 million annually; renews the Fish and Wildlife Service’s Chesapeake Watershed Investments for Landscape Defense (WILD) program at $15 million annually; and re-ups the National Park Service’s Chesapeake Gateways and Watertrails program at $3 million a year.
These programs fund competitive grants that finance a variety of local projects to restore the Bay, its rivers and streams, and essential fish and wildlife habitat, and conserve important cultural, recreational, and historic resources in the six Bay states and the District of Columbia.
The ACE Reauthorization Act also extends the North American Wetlands Conservation Act and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) through fiscal 2030. NFWF was created by Congress in 1984 and awards grants for conservation projects across the country. NFWF administers the Bay Program’s two main grant programs and Chesapeake WILD grants.
The Senate passed a version of the bill with higher funding levels in May. The House version keeps spending on all three programs levels constant with current funding. The two chambers must come to an agreement on which version is sent to the President’s desk.
The Senate bill is co-sponsored by Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.), Ranking Member Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.), and Sens. Ben Cardin (D-Md.), and Chris Van Hollen (D- (D-Md.).
Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) Federal Director Keisha Sedlacek issued the following statement:
“With the 2025 deadline fast approaching and a new presidential administration about to take office, the Bay restoration effort is at a critical juncture. Renewing the ACE Act will ensure the Bay jurisdictions and their federal partners have the resources and authority they need to tackle coming challenges.
“We’re excited to see the America’s Conservation Enhancement Reauthorization Act nearing the end of the legislative finish line with such strong bipartisan support.
“The 119th Congress is almost over. We urge the House and Senate to quickly reconcile their differences in funding levels and send this important bill to President Biden’s desk.”
Washington, D.C. Communications & Media Relations Manager, CBF
[email protected]
202-793-4485
