Annapolis, MD – May 29, 2019 – Governor Larry Hogan, chairman of the Chesapeake Executive Council, today sent a letter to Governor Tom Wolf regarding concerns over Pennsylvania’s clean water progress. Since before his election in 2014, Governor Hogan has called on upstream states—namely Pennsylvania and New York—to step up and take responsibility for sediment and debris that pours into the Chesapeake Bay.
“Chesapeake Bay restoration requires federal and state engagement and investment, with success dependent on every jurisdiction,” wrote Governor Hogan. “While Marylanders continue to do more to enhance and improve the Bay, we are deeply troubled that Pennsylvania’s draft Phase III Watershed Implementation Plan falls short of this critical commitment.”
Pennsylvania’s proposed plan has a significant funding gap of more than $200 million annually, and only reaches about 70% of its designated goal, the letter highlights. To help mitigate the funding gap, Governor Hogan affirmed his commitment to rallying all the necessary financial and regulatory support needed to fully implement and complete the plan.
“Maryland recognizes the power of innovation, collaboration, and partnership when it comes to achieving a cleaner and healthier Bay,” said the governor. “I know that, by working together, we can all leave a legacy as good and faithful stewards of the Chesapeake Bay, a national treasure we have the responsibility to preserve and protect for future generations to come.”
The letter comes at a critical juncture for the Bay, when water quality has seen a marked improvement and there is strong growth among crab populations. The Hogan administration has continued to lead on environmental conservation in the region, with a focus on the watershed, by committing a record $5 billion toward wide-ranging Bay restoration initiatives.