Bipartisan legislation to extend programs essential to Bay restoration and other regional conservation efforts across the country cleared the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee today by unanimous voice vote.
The America’s Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Reauthorization Act would extend and set funding levels through fiscal year 2030 for the EPA Chesapeake Bay Program, the Fish and Wildlife Service’s Chesapeake Watershed Investments for Landscape Defense (WILD) grant program, and the National Park Service’s Chesapeake Gateways program.
The bill, introduced by Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.) and Ranking Member Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), would also extend the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s ability to administer the Chesapeake Bay Program’s three grant programs and the Chesapeake WILD grants.
Chesapeake Bay Foundation Federal (CBF) Direct Keisha Sedlack issued the following statement:
“CBF is encouraged by the vote to send the ACE Reauthorization Act to the Senate floor. We hope the committee’s broad backing for protecting precious natural resources like the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem signals this legislation will enjoy similar support among all senators.
“The bill would help ensure federal partners in the cleanup can continue to provide robust support for initiatives that improve water quality, reduce polluted runoff, restore essential wildlife habitat, and introduce more people to the wonders of the Bay ecosystem.
“CBF is grateful to Chairman Carper and Ranking Member Capito for their bipartisan commitment to reauthorizing the ACE Act and thank committee members Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and John Fetterman (D-Pa.) for voting for the bill. We now call on House Bay champions to keep their companion legislation moving forward as well.”
Explore examples of projects funded by these programs from the six Bay states and DC.
Washington, D.C. Communications & Media Relations Manager, CBF
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202-793-4485
