Chesapeake Bay Day on the Hill — Choose Clean Water Coalition

Chesapeake Bay Day on
Capitol Hill

Convening Coalition members from throughout the watershed to fight for clean water in the nation’s capital

Making Waves for Clean Water

Every March, the Choose Clean Water Coalition gathers individuals from its member organizations throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed to advocate for clean water policies and funding in Washington, DC. Meeting with Members of Congress and their staff, Coalition members provide real-world examples of the impact clean water programs and policies are having in their community and the need for continued support.

At the forefront of asks for legislators is securing critical funding for EPA's Chesapeake Bay Program. Approximately two-thirds of Bay Program funding supports on-the-ground projects in the Chesapeake Bay watershed states and the District of Columbia. This support creates new oyster beds, plants trees to improve wildlife habitat, reduces pollution from farmland, and funds other activities that improve local water quality. Beyond funding for the Bay Program, Coalition members advocate for objectives such as the creation of new grant programs, policies that champion environmental justice, and support for programs that perform critical science and monitoring work.

Choose Clean Water Coalition advocates meeting with Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) at the 2019 Chesapeake Bay Day on Capitol Hill

And Members of Congress take notice. Following the 2022 Lobby Day, Representative Rob Wittman (R-VA) shared, “I am thankful for the Choose Clean Water Coalition and the many individuals and groups that work tirelessly to preserve the Chesapeake Bay. Over the years, I have been proud of the strides made in the right direction to protect the Bay, and I look forward to continuing our work to ensure the Bay remains healthy for years to come.” Added Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), “Our hard-won successes were earned in large part thanks to the dedication of the broad-based grassroots advocacy network that the Choose Clean Water Coalition has assembled in support of the Bay, and I've been proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you in this fight.”

An Annual Impact

Collectively, the Coalition’s advocacy makes an impact. With strong bipartisan support for clean water and the Chesapeake Bay, the Coalition has worked with members of Congress to successfully support strong investments in clean water programs. These programs improve communities and protect local waterways in every state in the region and the District of Columbia, while often also serving as a stimulus to local economies. Even when the COVID pandemic forced our annual “Lobby Day” to hold our meetings virtually, the Coalition’s “asks” to Congress have been continually met or exceeded.

Thanks to the diligent efforts of our Coalition members, combined with the leadership of our strong Chesapeake congressional delegation, federal support for the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers and streams is at an all-time high.