ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The most recent data from the Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP) estimates that only a third of the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal rivers are healthy enough to support essential aquatic species. The score is lower than the previous assessment, which the Bay Program attributes to unusually wet weather.

Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) Vice President for Environmental Protection and Restoration Alison Prost issued this statement in response.

“That only 33% of the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal rivers are healthy should be a wake-up call. It is true that water quality in the Bay is, and will always be, influenced by rainfall, however, it is disappointing that EPA continues to let Pennsylvania fall behind on its clean water commitments and instead blames the rain.

 “It’s time EPA enforce the Clean Water Act, hold Pennsylvania accountable, and account for the additional challenges of climate change. Climate change is real and making saving the Bay harder.

 “The good news is that the pollution reduction efforts needed to save the bay, mitigate climate change, and increase resiliency are one in the same. By holding Pennsylvania accountable and increasing investments in pollution reductions now, especially from agriculture in the Commonwealth, the Biden Administration’s EPA can still make saving the Bay an international model for environmental restoration and climate change mitigation. The clock is ticking.”

–Chesapeake Bay Foundation