This story was reported and written by our media partner the Virginia Mercury.
In a bipartisan move, U.S. Reps. Bobby Scott, D-Newport News, Rob Wittman, R-Westmoreland, Jennifer Kiggans, R-Virginia Beach, and Sen. Mark Warner, D-Virginia, together introduced a bill to reauthorize the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Chesapeake Bay Office. Maryland’s Rep. Sarah Elfreth, D-Annapolis, also joined the effort to maintain support for the agency.
The Bay office conducts critical research on climate resilience, sustainable fisheries, habitat restoration and other information key to helping the Bay and related industries flourish.
The bill also authorizes an education and training program for the first time, which will help Virginia meet the goals of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement. Research shows Virginia previously fell behind on the educational aspect of the last agreement.
“By allowing NOAA to coordinate with community stakeholders, monitor restoration activities, and authorizing the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Education and Training program, the WATERS Act will help protect the Chesapeake Bay’s health for generations to come,” Wittman said in a statement.
The Chesapeake Bay Office, which is based in Annapolis, manages the interpretive buoy system that collects real-time data on water quality, weather, and fish migrations. This data is then used when planning restoration efforts and can help assist in maritime safety.
When Congress authorizes an agency, it essentially reaffirms federal lawmakers’ interest in its work and shows support for continuing its operations. The reauthorization effort comes as the administration of President Donald Trump has pledged to roll back funding for NOAA, including a proposal to cut 28% of NOAA’s operating budget, or $1.33 billion, and slash 75% to the agency’s climate science work.
The last time the Chesapeake Bay Office was reauthorized was in the early 2000’s. The move to sustain the office highlights the Virginia congressional delegation’s desire to see research into oyster habitats, weather patterns, and ways to assist the fishing industry continue.
“By reauthorizing NOAA’s Chesapeake Bay Office, supporting science-based restoration, and expanding education and workforce training throughout the watershed, this bill strengthens long term stewardship of the Bay,” Kiggans said.
The states that have waterways that feed into the Chesapeake Bay recently signed an updated agreement that puts each on the path towards reducing pollution, rebuilding habitats and increasing education around the Bay’s environment. NOAA’s data helps states shape related policy and resiliency efforts.
The bill will be considered when Congress returns to work after the holidays.